Assisted-living dog provides the ‘gift of independence’

UNTIL now Noelle Godley was unable to live an entirely independent life.

Despite the 24-year-old’s best intentions, the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) student – originally from Turner’s Cross – had been unable to achieve simple tasks without the help of others.

Due to a series of health concerns identified at birth she has been confined to a wheelchair for most of her life, meaning steps like turning on or off a light switch, changing clothes, or picking up keys from the ground have been plagued with difficulties.

However, yesterday Noelle became the first person in the country to receive an assisted-living dog from the Irish Dogs for the Disabled charity, a move she described as the “gift of independence” at a specially arranged launch for the historic hand-over.

Since 2007, the new organisation has attempted to plug the gap in assisted-living services for wheelchair users, who until now have been unable to access the specialist support previously only available for the blind and for young children with autism.

While the charity has 48 specially trained golden retrievers and labradors available to wheelchair users in need of support, the presentation of golden retriever Amy to Noelle by her “idol” Tommy Tiernan yesterday marks the first time the free service has been made officially available.

“Amy has improved my independence greatly, as I am no longer on my own when I go out for walks or to the shops,” said Noelle.

“With her being here, I have a reason to get out of the bed in the morning. I have built up confidence in my driving and socialising with people.

“Amy helps with picking things up, which is a huge relief should I drop my phone or car keys when I’m out and about.

“She opens doors and pulls off my jacket. She barks if I need assistance,” she added.

In order to be in a position to help those in need, all of the dogs bred by the charity undergo intensive training in the first two years of their life, culminating in being able to provide support in simple tasks, such as helping someone to dress, pick up objects and open doors.

Over the coming months more specially trained dogs will be provided by the charity – modelled on Britain’s Dogs for the Disabled system – to people in need of support, with dozens expected to benefit from the programme before the end of the year.