A donation of £8,546 from the Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation has enabled Dogs for the Disabled to train an assistance dog for 15 year old Emily Mair from Middlesex. Black Labrador, Simpson, was matched to Emily back in 2008 and, following training from the charity, she was able to take him home in January 2009. Simpson helps Emily in more ways than anyone could ever imagine. As well as helping her with practical tasks such as opening doors and switching on lights, Simpson has given Emily a new-found sense of confidence. Emily’s words describe just what a difference Simpson has made to her life;

“When I first met Simpson, I loved him to bits. Now Simpson is with me I feel very happy. I feel more confident when I go out because I feel safe. He has changed my life and he will be my friend forever and ever. We do things for each other, I am glad that I have Simpson and I love him.”

Dogs for the Disabled trains assistance dogs for physically disabled adults and children as well as training special dogs for children with autism. The charity aims to train 40 new dogs during 2009 meaning that even more people can experience the differences that a dog like Simpson can make to their lives.