HELPING THE COMMUNITY FOUR PAWS AT A TIME ZOE COONEY
L
iving with a disability can be isolating at times. But through the work of Guide Dogs Tasmania, there’s a crew of canine companions out there changing people’s lives. Some of the puppies currently in training are part of a brand new program helping families with autism. Aimed at kids between three and eight years old, the new program will see dogs who don’t pass their guide dog training adopted by families who need a helping hand (or paw!). ‘Those families are often feeling a little bit isolated and housebound,’ Guide Dogs Tasmania Coordinator Kim Ryan said. ‘The dog is a comforter, so when everything gets too much, the kid can look at the dog and have that comfort.’ Autism assistance dogs are also trained to keep the child safe when the family is out and about. If the child tries to run away, the dog will sit and a safety mechanism attaching the two will stop the child from potentially running onto a busy road or getting lost in a shopping centre. The social side of the autism program is another positive step. Making friends and socialising can be tricky for kids with autism, but with their four-legged best friend by their side keeping them calm, it’s often the confidence boost they need.
There are guide dogs helping people across Tasmania.
‘Children with autism are very isolated from their peers, but the dog can help a lot with that,’ Kim said. ‘Other children become interested and people on the street start to talk to them.’ To kickstart the new program, Guide Dogs Tasmania applied to our Community Fund. The money will go towards new coats for the puppies and special training equipment. Kim and the team have also had a lot of fun picking out loud toys to get the puppies used to being around kids. They’re teaching the dogs fun tricks to play with their young clients, such as high fives and passing a large ball back and forth. Guide Dogs Tasmania is always after more puppy raisers and part-time carers, as well as volunteers for their Street Appeal Day, ‘pup-up’ stores and collecting the Guide Dogs money boxes you often see in shops. You can also sign up for Pawgust to raise money and keep you and your precious pooch healthy. For more information visit guidedogstas.com.au.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF OUR COMMUNITY FUND WILL OPEN IN MARCH. VISIT RACT.COM.AU/COMMUNITY/ SPONSORSHIPS-AND-FUNDING FOR MORE INFORMATION.
HOST FAMILY & FRIENDS WITH YOUR RACT MEMBER DISCOUNTS Enjoy a 35% accommodation discount year-round when you book a Gordon River Cruise and stay two nights or more at Strahan Village.
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When travelling with family and friends, you can book up to five rooms using your RACT discount.
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PHONE: (03) 6471 4200 OR VISIT STRAHANVILLAGE.COM.AU
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020
Journeys 9
