Assistance dog helps to change local family's life

Three months ago, the lives of a Navan family changed completely when they welcomed Casey the dog into their family to assist their 11-year-old disabled son. Stephen and Linda Farrell from Claremont cannot believe the difference Casey has made to the life of their son, Stephen, who suffers from a rare chromosome disorder that affects his mobility and means he has very little speech. The Farrells now want other families of disabled children to benefit in the way they have, and have organised a fundraising spinathon that will take place in Aura Leisurelink in Navan this coming Saturday. All proceeds will go to Irish Dogs for the Disabled, the organisation which provided Stephen with his dog. Ms Farrell explained that Stephen always wanted a dog. They Googled 'assistance dogs' and came across the Irish Dogs for the Disabled charity and applied for one. They had an assessment in Cork before Stephen was introduced to Casey. "The first time Stephen met Casey, they just clicked. It was fantastic," said Mrs Farrell. Dad Stephen, mum Linda and Stephen's sister Sasha and brother Ryan all travelled to Cork for the training with Casey which Mrs Farrell said was "absolutely fantastic". "For the first time, Stephen walks with confidence and has Casey for stability. He will do anything that he's asked to do. Stephen tires easily and is a wheelchair user for long distances but he is walking more longer distances with Casey." For his mother Linda, the arrival of Casey has made a huge difference from the point of view of safety and the family can go places with confidence knowing that Stephen is clipped to Casey. She explained that Stephen is much more content and while he used to be glued to his mother, he now plays with Casey who gives him great company and friendship. It costs around €19,000 to train a dog like Casey and the Irish Dogs for the Disabled charity relies entirely on fundraising. Having seen the difference an assistance dog made to their lives, Mrs Farrell explained that they would like other families to be able to benefit in the same way and they wanted to give something back to the charity. They have organised a spinathon which takes place from 9am to 9pm this Saturday in Aura Leisurelink in Navan. Members of the public are invited to participate and the cost is €20 to register. Those taking part can collect sponsorship if they wish and anyone who raises over €50 will be entered into a draw for a year's free membership, kindly donated by Aura. To take part or find out more information, contact Linda Farrell on (087) 296 8315.