Dogs for the Disabled Visit Brookfield

8 Nov 2021

Puppies in training meet nursing students in training!

First year General nursing students got a lovely fluffy surprise when they had a visit from four puppies in training with Dogs for the Disabled. Accompanied by dog trainer Theresa and volunteer Kate, the puppies were delighted to be cuddled and smooched by all the students. The students then heard from Kate and Theresa about the importance of these dogs for helping physically disabled children and adults to live life to the full. The puppies will be trained to help people with activities of living like opening and closing doors, retrieving items, helping to dress and undress, using pedestrian crossings, and even helping children to walk by providing a stable base with forward motion. Social inclusion, which is enabled by these expertly trained dogs, is a core part of the module NU1067 on Disabilities and Inclusion, which is coordinated by Dr Angela Flynn who organised the visit. The students said that meeting the puppies helped them all relax and destress at this busy time in the semester. They are already making plans to arrange a fundraising activity so they can get to name one of the puppies! Dogs for the Disabled is a charity based in Togher.