Golden retriever puppy, Pearl, helps Dogs for Good celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Charity was founded by Frances Hay in 1988

The charity Dogs for Good, which has transformed the lives of thousands of children and adults with disabilities, is celebrating its 30th birthday.

Originally known as Dogs for the Disabled, it was founded in 1988 by Frances Hay, who realised how much her dogs helped her to maintain her independence in the face of her own disability. Her dogs were able to carry out small but essential tasks, such as picking up dropped items and helping to steady and balance her when she got up or walked.

Since the charity was formed, it has paired 875 assistance dogs with handlers, run hundreds of family dog workshops and worked with schools and hospitals.

In 2004, Dogs for Good introduced the UK’s first assistance dogs for children with physical disabilities, followed by its programme for children with autism. More recently, it has worked with Alzheimer Scotland to train dementia assistance dogs.

In addition, the charity works to help those who cannot benefit from the help of a dog 24/7. Activity and therapy dogs are trained to work with specialist handlers in hospitals, schools and social care settings. Through this project, dogs can help people with a range of conditions, such as learning disabilities, dementia, physical disabilities and autism.

Furthermore, the charity’s Family Dog Workshops provide advice and support to help the families of children with autism to get the best out of their relationship with a pet dog.

Dogs for Good chief executive Peter Gorbing said: “Looking ahead to the next 30 years, we intend to share our knowledge and experience with more people as well as providing services directly to those that desperately need it.  We’ll use digital and online technologies to support the work and will continue to innovate, share best practice and collaborate with others.”

The charity is calling out for more volunteers and fundraising help to allow its work to grow over the next three decades. For more information visit www.dogsforgood.org/get-involved

Image © Dogs for Good