The difference an 'assistance' dog can make

WHEN you have a disability the impact that an assistance dog can have on your life is remarkable.

Not everybody is aware that assistance dogs come in all shapes and sizes and help with a range of tasks from barking to raise an alarm in an emergency to helping a person to dress.

The impact on the life of Kenny Gibson, an Northern Trust audiology patient is evident. Kenny has been deaf for 25 years, and in August 1997 he had an accident at work which resulted in a brain injury.

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His brain injury left him with severe mood swings and panic attacks. Then Kenny had a heart attack and started spending all day in bed. He dreaded leaving the house.

Wendy Longshaw, Kenny’s social worker suggested that he apply to get a hearing dog. Wendy contacted Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and helped Kenny to complete the application form. Two years later Kenny was selected and then partnered with a dog.

Kenny and his wife Sheila made the trip across to England to meet the dog and to see if the partnership would work. Kenny and Troy, a mongrel terrier, were a match.

Troy has now been with Kenny for three years “He has given me my life back, he tells me about the phone, the door and any alarms. He has helped me overcome my fear of people, shops and crowds. I take him out for walks and people stop to speak, asking about Troy. I’d be lost without him.”

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As Wendy Longshaw said: “Since Troy has been placed with Kenny I have seen a huge difference in his confidence and attitude to life. Kenny no longer 'shys away' with Troy by his side. He is out and about meeting other people and enjoying life.

“We know from research, the difference assistance dogs can make to people’s lives. An assistance dog gives enormous psychological benefits, breaking down barriers to the outside world and helping to improve confidence. When you see them together it is clear that Troy and Kenny are best friends.

“The Northern Trust's aim is to make sure that services and premises are accessible to disabled people, we are raising awareness of disability issues. People need to know about assistance dogs and that they should not be refused entry. We need to inform everyone of the important role assistance dogs play in people’s lives.”

In October 2009 Kenny and Troy attended the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People awards in London when Troy was short-listed for ‘life-changing hearing dog of the year’. Martin Clunes, judge of the category, selected Troy as the winner. Congratulations to them both!

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