By Isle of Wight Observer
Getting volunteers to help with the Ability Dogs 4 Young People’s charity work has always been on-going, but it is now declaring a ‘mini crisis’. This year it has been harder than usual to find people willing to get involved, and the charity is now very short of volunteer help.
The charity is particularly short of suitable volunteer puppy parents and as a result may not be able to fulfil its quota of new puppies this year. Carol Court charity CEO and a volunteer herself, says, “We are a small Island charity and we like to take on six new baby puppies each year. The training takes about two years, so if we are not able to find puppy parents for them all, we will not be able to help as many disabled young people in two-years’ time. Having volunteers is critical to the work of the charity here on the Island.
“Being a volunteer puppy parent is definitely hard work and needs people who are very dedicated, have enough time and energy to devote to the puppy, and have the right home set-up. However, it is very rewarding. People often worry about ‘giving the puppy back’. Although there is no doubt that this is the hard part (we do give you another puppy to help), seeing the puppy you nurtured go on to change the life of a disabled young person far outweighs that pain.”
Puppy Parents need people to love and train them. The charity provides food and equipment for the puppy and cover all veterinary costs while the puppy is with you. As part of the team, you will be fully supported at weekly puppy training classes and at home. You can enjoy the fun of watching each puppy grow as he or she learns what it takes to be a fully trained Ability Dog. As all of the Ability Dogs stay on the Island, you will always be able to follow their progress.
Foster Puppy Parents who can look after a training Ability Dog puppy for short periods are also needed. If you are unable to help with these roles, but are able to spare some time, the charity are looking for volunteers to help in the shops, with fundraising, admin and general maintenance. You will be joining a passionate and sociable team who were recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2018.
If you are interested, please get in touch by email to info@abilitydogs4yp.org.uk or phone 216246.
