Clive is a trained Assistance Dog from Irish Guide Dogs ...
We were lucky enough to get Clive six years ago. He has made an incredible difference to Murray's life!
Currrently over 200 families around the country have received Assistance Dogs ....
However over 220 families are currently on the waiting list for an Assistance Dog from Irish Guide Dogs ...
As only approximately 40 Assistance Dogs are trained each year - that means that the current waiting list will take approximately 3 to 4 years to address ....
Therefore Irish Guide Dogs had to take the very difficult decision to close their waiting list at present ....
Reasons why we would like more funding for Autism Assistance Dogs ....
* because there are 220 families around Ireland on the waiting list for an Assistance Dog and many more who can't even get on the waiting list at the moment .....
* because it costs €35,000 to train an Assistance Dog and that's a lot of money for each dog (particularly in the current economic climate!)
* because every day that we have had Clive has made us realise just how magical and precious his presence is within our house and we have experienced the enormous impact he has had on Murray ....
* because we know what our lives were like before Clive came here and we know how hard it is for many families waiting to get a dog like Clive
The Minister for Health James Reilly TD has announced the allocation of €1m in additional funding to address the needs of children with autism this year, with a further €1m following over each of the next two years - €3m in total ...
We were lucky enough to get Clive six years ago. He has made an incredible difference to Murray's life!
Currrently over 200 families around the country have received Assistance Dogs ....
However over 220 families are currently on the waiting list for an Assistance Dog from Irish Guide Dogs ...
As only approximately 40 Assistance Dogs are trained each year - that means that the current waiting list will take approximately 3 to 4 years to address ....
Therefore Irish Guide Dogs had to take the very difficult decision to close their waiting list at present ....
Reasons why we would like more funding for Autism Assistance Dogs ....
* because there are 220 families around Ireland on the waiting list for an Assistance Dog and many more who can't even get on the waiting list at the moment .....
* because it costs €35,000 to train an Assistance Dog and that's a lot of money for each dog (particularly in the current economic climate!)
* because every day that we have had Clive has made us realise just how magical and precious his presence is within our house and we have experienced the enormous impact he has had on Murray ....
* because we know what our lives were like before Clive came here and we know how hard it is for many families waiting to get a dog like Clive
* because Clive is Murray's BEST FRIEND - HIS CONSTANT - HIS SUPPORT
* because other kids like Murray deserve to have a BEST FRIEND like Clive
SO, for those reasons and more we WANT more Assistance Dogs for children with Autism .....
Today, our Minister for Health, Dr James O'Reilly ....
"announced €3m additional funding to address needs of children with autism ...
The Minister for Health James Reilly TD has announced the allocation of €1m in additional funding to address the needs of children with autism this year, with a further €1m following over each of the next two years - €3m in total ...
We would love to think that some of that money will go towards funding more Autism Assistance Dogs!
- Clive & Co
lovely post! I really hope some of that money will go towards funding more Autism Assistance Dogs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Emma! We really hope so too!
ReplyDeleteWe can see how much Clive has meant to your family and Murray! Hope some of that money does GO to helping train more Autism Assistance Dogs!
ReplyDeleteWags
Ernie,Sasha,Chica,Lucas & Mom Barb
Clive is such an important member of your family and I hope beyond hope that the other families will get their "Clive" also. You work so hard for this effort, you are an incredible person.
ReplyDeleteAnne and Sasha
We hope you get that funding. It's so worth it!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots
Maggie and Mitch
I think that quite a lot of that money should go to the Autism Assistance Dogs for you cannot educate or train a child unless that child is relaxed and feels confident enough to step out of his family home and start training and learning. I don't like the fact that the list has being, even temporary closed, but it is understandable or is it? I think there are some people in this country who could provide the funding and I wish that they would realise that you cannot take the money with you when you die but you can add a large 'plus' to the notice broad of your life.
ReplyDeleteI hope that they do increase the funding for Irish Guide Dogs! I know what a big difference they make in the lives of so many!
ReplyDeleteBunny
Sure I hope some funds will be directed to Irish Guide Dogs.
ReplyDeleteKisses and hugs
Lorenza
Let's hope so. Just by seeing your blog and all the work you do with Irish Guidedogs must show them what a huge benefit an assistance dog is!
ReplyDelete