FOCUS ON AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOGS
Cliona O'rourke trains dogs to help children with autism, acting as companions and keeping them safe. Mary Fogarty found out about the scheme
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MY CANINE Companion founder Cliona O'rourke first implemented the autism assistance dog programme in Ireland eight years ago after training in Canada.
Based in Cork, she set up My Canine Companion in June to provide highly trained and skilled assistance dogs to people with disabilities – particularly autism.
Cliona has more than 15 years experience in dog training, and her considerable talents have touched the lives of a number of Greystones families who are now linked with the charity. The organisation currently has three dogs in Greystones and Delgany – one fully trained working dog, two puppies in training, and a third puppy to be trained shortly.
The training of an autism assistance dog includes up to 15 months on puppy raising or dog socialisation schemes followed by up to six months intensive training with instructors.
These dogs have unlimited access to public places.
There are two main purposes of a My Canine Companion autism assistance dog. The safety aspect is vital however it is the hope that the dog will become a best friend, confidant and playmate for a child who almost always has few friends.
The dog wears a specially designed jacket with the charity logo and the child is attached to the dog by a tether that runs from the dog's jacket to the child's belt. The parent has a lead which is attached to the dog and the child holds a handle which is on the dog's jacket.
The dog is trained to walk ahead with the child yet respond to verbal commands given by the parent like right, left, forward or find the door. He will also stop at any obstacle in his path including kerbs.
The charity continues to arrange fundraising activities in the area from coffee mornings and bag packs to information days in order to ensure that kids like Oisin Dutton and Scott Mccann can get the ' boy's best friend' that they deserve to help them have a fulfilling and enjoyable life.
' We are committed to helping children with autism and their families gain independence, companionship and safety,' said Cliona.
For more information on the programme go to www.mycaninecompanion.net.
