Southern Vectis names Ability Dogs 4 Young People as its official good cause

Southern Vectis is throwing its support behind Ability Dogs 4 Young People – as its official good cause for 2018. We’ll be spending the year raising funds and awareness to help pay for the training of assistance dogs who enhance the independence of disabled young people and children living on the island. “Ability Dogs 4 Young People is a crucial local resource, training these wonderful dogs to support the practical and emotional well-being of those who have mental and physical disabilities,” said Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis general manager. “Our team has been so impressed by the work they do here – and meeting these beautiful creatures and their talented trainers has been a thoroughly worthwhile experience. We’re delighted to be backing this very worthy cause, and raising as much money as possible over the coming year.” Training a puppy to be an Ability Dog takes two years and a considerable amount of dedication. The charity places specially-selected labradors with volunteer ‘foster parents’, who care for them in their own homes, fully socialise them and start their initial training – before they are given more advanced schooling. Once ready, they are placed with a disabled young person to carry out their very important work. Carol Court, founder and CEO at Ability Dogs 4 Young People, added: “We are delighted to have been chosen as Southern Vectis’ good cause for 2018. We look forward to working with them over the coming year and raising the profile of the charity and how it helps disabled young people.” Anyone wishing to donate can visit abilitydogs4yp.org.uk