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Dogs
for the Disabled, a national charity, trains specially selected
dogs to live and work in partnership with disabled people. Using
their natural pulling and retrieving instincts the dogs help
with a range of practical tasks that their owners are unable
to do for themselves, such as picking things up, emptying the
washing machine and helping with dressing and undressing.
Since the Charity was formed in 1986 it has trained more than
200 dogs. Clients' disabilities range from spinal injuries and
arthritis to MS and brittle bones, with a host of other conditions
as well. Anton, a 6 year old yellow Labrador, lives with Gill
& Byron in Nottingham. Byron contracted Polio when he was two
and has been using a wheelchair since 1969. Gill was born with
spina bifida and has been using a wheelchair since both her
legs were amputated several years ago.
Client Sarah and her dog Jade, a Border Collie/Golden Retriever
bitch, who was the 100th dog and is sponsored by snooker star
Steve Davis. Anton is trained to fetch and carry for them, take
the washing out of the machine and help put it on the line,
take the phone to whoever needs it, pick things up off the floor
and help Byron take off his socks. Says Byron: "He's just an
amazing dog and a wonderful friend.
He has a wonderful nature and is friendly with everyone. He
has taken the strain out of our lives".
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Client Sarah and her dog Jade, a Border
Collie/Golden Retriever bitch, who was the 100th dog and is sponsored
by snooker star Steve Davis.
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