On Sunday 15th September some of the members of Team Forestside teamed up with some of the incredible Assistance Dogs NI for a walk in Belvoir Forest. Everyone paid £10 registration fee in aid of the Assistance Dogs charity and a fabulous £140 was raised. The assistance dogs were on mall recently on two occasions and raised a massive £1100 thanks to the absolute star quality of Holly, Barnaby, Honey and friends. ADNI would like to extend a huge thank you to all the Forestside customers who contributed towards this large amount of money.

Assistance Dogs are absolutely astonishing. The use of dogs for disability partnerships is no longer confined to Guide Dogs for the Blind. They are trained to help Autism sufferers as well as epilepsy, disability and even diabetes. These dogs provide invaluable companionship and interaction for Autistic children but are also trained to prevent the child from running off in a potentially threatening social situation. A trait common in Autism sufferers.

Disability Dogs can be trained to pick up dropped items, turn lights on and off and even load and unload the washing machine! And all of this in addition to the therapeutic benefits that the companionship and interaction that a best friend can provide.

One of the most endearing things about these dogs is their never ending devotion to duty. The dog clearly knows when it is on or off duty and to watch them play and enjoy themselves in their free time is a joy to behold. But the second the working harness goes back on, the dog instantly switches to working mode and will not be distracted from its task no matter what the environment.

Everyone, human and canine alike, thoroughly enjoyed the walk up through Belvoir Forest to the Lock Keepers Inn and then back to Attridge & Cole for coffee and refreshments.

If you would be interested in joining us for any of our dog walks or any Team Forestside events please do not hesitate to contact Helping Hands on 02890 494996.

Assistance Dogs can be found at http://www.adni.org.uk/

Thanks to all the Assitance dogs and their owners who attended. Mr and Mrs Mercer and Honey, Heather Grant and dog Holly,  Mrs Brenda Stevenson  and Bailey,  Mrs Lorraine Carrothers and daughter; dog Seighin  (Shane), Paul Ferguson and dog, Elizabeth Black, friend and Barnaby. Thanks also to Dee and Sam Giles and Jasper, Adel and Dawn and their two black labradors and to anyone else who braved the weather on Sunday morning for this great cause.