Our Testimonials
Orli & Ewan
We were truly blessed in 2013, when we first met the wonderful team at My Canine Companion. And our lives really changed for the better from the day we welcomed our beautiful Service Dog Orli, then only a 10 week old pup, into our home in November 2013.
Our son Ewan was only 3 and a half at the time but had been already diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and we were to see the additional diagnoses of Moderate Intellectual Disability, and AdHd to come in the following years.
Working through the puppy training programme with the charity and with other parents was an amazing experience – it took lots of time and effort, but every minute paid off. Once qualified, being able to attach Ewan and Orli was the most amazing and liberating experience.
Like lots of children with autism spectrum disorder Ewan’s tendency to bolt or run-away, particularly when he is in situations which he found overwhelming – perhaps crowded or loud places, was particularly difficult when Ewan was younger. But once attached and that risk was eliminated, suddenly we found we can do lots of everyday family things, which others might take for granted – visiting a supermarket, the library, going on holiday and all the usual family activities which our other children had often missed out on.
But not only did we see our little excitable pup Orli grow and develop into the most amazing Service Dog for Ewan, with Orli in our lives it felt as though our whole family somehow grew closer and developed a greater awareness and acceptance of Ewan’s diagnoses.
Once you have a very beautiful little fluffy pup by your side, you find she attracts lots of attention! So, each one of us, including Ewan’s siblings, found that just by talking to people every day, about Orli & Ewan and his autism, made us all much more aware of the bigger picture – making us appreciate how little autism is really understood, how bloody challenging it can be sometimes, but also how supportive people can be. But also helped us see how absolutely wonderful and unique and amazing our little boy Ewan was and still is! And although we always knew that, somehow this beautiful dog came into our lives and opened all our eyes & other people’s too, to that even more.
It is hard to believe it is over 7 years since Orli came into our lives. Life moves on, Ewan is now 10 and although he still lives every day with significant additional needs, when we look back we are so proud of the developments Ewan has made.
When we are out and about now, for the majority of time we don’t need to attach Ewan and Orli. Orli still comes along on most family outings, and is still the beautiful, calm and reassuring presence she always was, but mostly Ewan is just happy with the occasional, often unseen rub of reassurance, when he needs it.
And while its hard to believe it is over 7 years since we first had the great fortune to meet with MCC, we know we will be forever grateful to Cliona, Niall and the team and our beautiful Orli, for changing all our lives for the better.
The Lackey Family, Dublin 18.
Indie, Connor and Oisin
In April 2013 Indie came into our lives as a 10 week old golden doodle puppy. He was for my son Conor who was seven years old at the time. Conor had a diagnosis of Autism and was a bolter with no sense of danger. We went through the puppy program and attended monthly puppy training classes and socialised Indie ourselves as much as we could. In September 2014 Indie fully qualified as a service dog this is when our lives changed for the better. Our world was opened up for us we could all go out as a family instead of one person staying behind with Conor. Conor was attached to Indie with a belt which meant we didn't need to try and hold Conors hand this gave him some independence.
Indie came everywhere with us from Pantos at Christmas to weekends away in hotels.
Now Conor is sixteen and does not need to be attached anymore he has learned to walk alongside Indie.
In 2016 my youngest son Oisin was also diagnosed with Autism and while he didn't have the same bolting behaviours as Conor Indie helped him in a different way. Oisin found school very difficult and he would use Indie to destress after school by hugging and stroking him.
I couldn't imagine our lives without Indie. He is a loyal companion to me and the whole family. We will be forever grateful to My Canine Companion for our boy.
Debbie Keyes (Co Meath)
Beth and Sarah – Tanya Weekes
On the 16th Dec '17, we received a life changing gift from MCC in the form of a 10 week old puppy in training, Beth. Beth has enabled us to do so many things that we couldn't have even contemplated doing, before we got her.
Not only has Beth brought an abundance of happiness to our family, but she also has a huge calming effect on Sarah, especially at home behind closed doors. We are forever in MCC's debt for everything they have done for us, especially Cliona, Niall, Daisy Doodle & Orla.
We have met wonderful families through MCC, which we will be friends with, for years to come.
Tanya Weekes – Sarah’s mom (Co Limerick)
Caroline and Ola – Nicola Phelan
My name is Nicola Phelan. Myself and my husband Gary have 3 children.
Our eldest Caroline has autism and we badly needed help as she was a flight risk and very fast!! I need both knees replaced so going out with her solo was out of the question as if she ran I just couldn’t catch her.
One dark evening in March 2019, Karen knocked on our door with a beautiful black dog called Ola. Encouraged by her younger brother, Caroline slowly approached her and gently rubbed her head. For a girl that was terrified of dogs this was a huge step and the first one in what would become an amazing relationship.
Shortly after that we did our first attachment. We had planned to go to Smyths but it was shut! Expecting a total hissy fit I was shocked when she calmly accepted this and we kept walking. After that Ola moved in and we continued to be amazed at how life changed.
One of the most profound moments for me was a trip to Penney’s, just myself, Caroline and Ola. This isn’t something I would ever have done as I would have been too scared I would lose her. With Ola by our side we were all calm and mightily enjoyed our shopping trip.
All I had ever hoped for was that we could do trips etc safely. I never dreamt that Ola would help her in other ways.
When going to Tayto park last year I could see Caroline getting overwhelmed on the way in. One big squeeze with Ola and she marched happily in. Ola calms and soothes her in a way nobody else can. She knows when Caroline’s upset and stays by her side until she’s happy again.
I don’t know what would have happened if we hadn’t got the gorgeous Ola, game changer doesn’t cut it remotely. The lock down had my head turned upside down. Caroline adores school and normal holidays are tough going as is. Ola kept her so much calmer. My younger boys and us adore her as much as their sister does.
I am so so grateful for the hugely important work that MCC do. It’s changed our family so much, we can now do things that other families take for granted.
Nicola Phelan – Caroline’s mom (Co Cork)
Einstein and Shane – Deborah Reidy
Einstein Elmo Reidy and Shane, where will I start?
We have Einstein now 5 years, he has brought life into our house. He is full of energy and always makes us laugh.Einstein is a service dog for Shane, who is autistic, but really he has helped us all, as a family, in different ways.
Shane and Einstein have a secret bond. Shane is very private with him and will tell him secrets we don’t even know they have. They have a very special bond.Erica has become a very confident young lady when we are out and about with Einstein. She is like Shane’s second mom, and would love to train dogs when she is older.
I was terrified of dogs myself, but I saw how wonderful these dogs are with kids with autism, and I knew I had to overcome it for Shane’s sake. Einstein helped me to do this. It wasn’t easy, but I did it. As all us mams know, we would do anything for our kids, especially kids with special needs.
My husband, Gavin, brings Einstein for walks, to keep him fit.
Einstein works very hard, when we are out and about. It is great that people see Einstein, and know that Shane is autistic. We don’t have to explain it, and it takes the pressure off. People are kind, and simply smile, they know my child is autistic, not bold, there is a difference.
We have made so many friends through this very special charity, My Canine Companion, and I will always be so grateful to Cliona, Niall, Karen and Orla, and so many more people for bringing Einstein into our lives!
Deborah Reidy (Co Cork)
Shane’s mam
Milo and Logan – Elaine Healy
Our son Logan was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and an intellectual disability at age 4.
Life for Logan was extremely tough. He was a very frustrated and sad little boy who would lash out, as he couldn't explain what he wanted. He doesn't speak and would see no danger in running onto a road. He struggled to cope in busy situations with too much noise and people and would scream and cry. We had stopped leaving the house and when we had to venture out as a family, it usually ended in tears and one or all of us leaving.
We were at the lowest point... and then we met Milo.
Our sweet boy was brought to us in December 2018 and it was love at first sight. Within weeks Logan was walking with Milo, attached to him and holding his lead and we've never looked back.We can go anywhere now and life has never been the same. He found a friend as well as an anchor.
Our little boy is happy and safe and My Canine Companion opened up a world we never thought he'd see.It was the best present our family could have received.
Elaine Healy (Mallow Co Cork)
Pippa – Lorna Conway
My name is Lorna. Our son is 12 and has autism. Navigating shops, cinemas and through airports can be over stimulating and stress inducing. Pippa came to our family 3 1/2 years ago and has accompanied him through all these situations and motivated him to keep going out. Her calming character means she can be a steady influence in a world that can be scary and troubling. At home Pippa keeps him company and stays near him when he needs it most. We love to tell people about My Canine Companion and all they do for families with these great dogs and we are very grateful for Pippa in our lives.
Lorna Conway (Dublin)
Buddy and Jack – Louise Vaughan
We got Buddy in December 2017. A small ball of fluff. We worked with My Canine Companion going to training classes with him resulting in him becoming a fully qualified service dog for our son Jack. How Buddy has helped jack is remarkable. For a pre verbal before buddy arrived to now, Jack telling Buddy to sit, come in and to go out is really a sight to behold. Buddy is Jacks great protector when Jack tries to make a break for freedom. My Canine Companion has truly changed a little boys life. 💚
Louise Vaughan (Co Cork)
Axel – Niamh Liston
We got Axel in December 2017 when he was just 10 weeks old. Having 2 kids on the spectrum he always seems to know who needs him. He is their best friend, comforter and lovable rogue. We will be forever grateful for MCCs professionalism, friendship and guidance. The staff and volunteers are the best. Jim and I will be forever in debt to MCC. Love you all loads. Thanks so much for all your help and support. Keep up all the great work you do and keep bringing those families together.
Niamh Liston (Co Clare)
Jinx, Darragh and Amy – Deirdre O Mahony
We started this amazing journey with my canine companion January 2018 , we had our daughter Amy’s name down for an assistance dog when we got a call from Niall saying that we were going to be paired with a pup from the J litter, to say we were excited was an understatement, our daughter Amy had just turned 11 and was in bad need of a best friend , Amy was diagnosed with autism just before her 3rd birthday , Amy just like a lot of other children diagnosed with autism found it very hard to socialise and regulate her emotions, Amy is a very sensory child she found brushing of hair and loud noises very hard , jinx has made it possible for us to go out into a world that sometimes Amy doesn’t understand, she will explain to people who jinx is and how he is her best friend , Jinx also helps her when we are at home as she relays on him for sensory input and helps her calm when she is in mid melt down , When jinx went in for his final training we received another diagnoses of autism for Amys younger brother Darragh who had just turned 3 , we talked to jinx trainer Karen and explained that Darragh had just received a diagnoses as well and she knew straight away that Jinx would be well able to manage the 2 of the kids so we said we would try to attach both kids and see what would happen 😊 well we could not of been happier when we realised that Jinx being the super dog he is nailed it , Now jinx looks after Darragh and Amy , he goes with both kids when they have separate appointments and keeps them safe and grounded . When they are at home they both rely on him, Darragh and jinx have grown up with each other and they or the best of friends, we or so great full to MCC for giving us a lifeline that we never thought we would ever have 😍
Deirdre O Mahony – Amy and Darragh’s mom (Co Cork)
Cilla and Kola – Dylan and Kevin – Tracey Mason
My Canine Companion are such a wonderful charity, changing the lives of families throughout the country. We have two boys with autism in our family, both of which differ greatly from each other in terms of their needs. For us, simple things that many people take for granted such as going shopping, to a restaurant, or simply trying to go for a walk.
It was when the charity came into our lives that things began to change for the better. In 2016, we were introduced to Cilla beautiful goldendoodle who was trained to the highest standard and provided the safety we needed for our son Kevin. He is attached to her by a harness when going out to prevent him from bolting. She has enhanced Kevin’s life in many ways and has given him the independence that he so badly needed.
After a couple of years, we received Kola. This time we took part in the puppy training programme where we socially trained her, with regular guidance from the charity. She has given our older son Dylan the confidence to leave the house, with the reassurance that she is there in case he needs her. In both cases for both boys, Cilla and Kola have been imperative to their safety and wellbeing. The charity has done so much for our family and are always just a phone call away if we ever need anything. They go above and beyond to find the right connection for each child and the trainers continue to support us. We will always be so grateful for what the charity has done for us.
Tracey Mason – Dylan and Kevin’s mom (Co Limerick)
Jake and Adam – Ruth Lyons
We would like to take this opportunity to say a big heartfelt thank you to My Canine Companion. Since we have become involved with the charity we have met up with fantastic people and made many new friends who like us are striving for the same goal which is to gain independence for our cherished children.
This would not be possible without the great work of the charity and their trainers who work with these special dogs. Since ‘Jake’ has come into our life our two special boys have grown to have a great bond with him, Killian says that ‘Jake’ is his best friend.
Like every family involved with the charity we are looking forward to the independence Jake will bring to our small man Adam. When we go out walking Adam is buggy bound so the attachment to Jake will allow Adam to walk with us. This might seem something small to most families, but this would be a giant step for us.
We will forever be grateful to everyone involved with the charity for what they have done for our family. There have been difficult days but since Jake has come into our family, he has made things easier. Like the wise old saying goes, dogs are truly a man’s best friend, in our case a family’s best friend.
We are now looking forward to exciting new adventures, which would not have been possible without My Canine Companions help.
Nelius and Ruth Lyons (Co Kerry)
Cookie and Karima – Mairead Mekki
When Karima was just 3 years old, she had been diagnosed with Autism and was attending a special preschool. I was chatting to a lovely friend about how Karima had got out of the house and how it had had a huge effect on us all. We were worried sick that Karima would run into a road or fall into deep water and drown. I spent my nights lying awake worrying about how I would keep my little girl safe.
My friend told me of a brand-new charity just being set up by a lovely lady called Cliona. We got in touch straight away and Karima was matched with our beautiful Cookie dog. With Cookie by her side Karima was able to enjoy so much more in life. As she could now walk without her hand being held, she has the freedom to make choices for herself in shops or just to touch the leaves In the park or the sand on the beach. Cookie made Karima so calm and happy.
Like lots of children who receive dogs from MCC we hoped by the time Cookie came up to retirement that Karima would have developed an awareness of danger and would be able to cope without her doggie however that was not to be.
So as Cookie aged, and Karima grew into a teenager we again got in touch with Cliona who was just so supportive and lovely. Within a really short space of time, we were matched with Hector. This time round we saw a different kind of bond.
Cookie was predominantly for Karimas safety however Hector quickly became her very best friend. Hector has some work to do before he qualifies as a service dog but what he's given Karima already is worth his weight in gold. Karima liked to spend her time alone but when Hector knew to keep pushing his head into her lap she eventually let him in and now they are inseparable.
Having worried all Karimas life about isolation and the lack of friendships this just felt absolutely amazing.
We have been so blessed to have been given these amazing doggies who bring Karima not only her independence but also her only friendships. We could never imagine our lives without our MCC hero's ❤️
Mairead Mekki – Karima’s mom (Dublin)
Paulie and Joshua – Ciara O Brien
We have been well in truly blessed with Paulie from My Canine Companion.
He has been such a fabulous addition to our family. I have been supporting and following the work of My Canine Companion for years and I was lucky enough to meet Niall & Cliona and witness first-hand the fantastic work they do with all their service dogs.
It was then I realised what a huge help a service dog would be for our son Joshua who was diagnosed with Autism, Global Developmental Delay and a moderate learning disability.
Joshua suffers from extreme separation anxiety but still craves independence like all little boys, since Paulie has arrived, we see him venture out of his comfort zones and explore without fear. He plays with Paulie and I have no doubt they will be friends for years to come.
I can't thank My Canine Companion enough for making our lives just that little bit easier. Raising a child with Autism can be challenging and lonely and not only has Joshua gained a best friend but we have gained a big furry family that have been amazing support.
Ciara O Brien – Joshua’s mom
Uggs
As a family of seven, four of whom are diagnosed with autism, we were struggling to complete the most basic of tasks. We couldn’t take our children out unless we had other adults with us as two were bolters and all needed supervision. Our home quickly turned to our prison and we stopped being parents and became jailers. The idea of a service dog was daunting, had we got the patience, the skill, the time?
In November 2014, we decided to bite the bullet, we had our family assessment and in February 2015 we got the call to say that Uggs, a 4-month-old golden Labrador was to be our saviour. We read the manual from cover to cover and involved the whole family in the training. We were anxious that we were making mistakes, the dog wouldn’t pass the training, the attachment wouldn’t be a success, you name it we feared it!!!
Our daughter who was 9 at the time had been having a specifically difficult time, her behaviours were outrageous and were presenting hazardous scenarios to our whole family. Herself and Uggs took time to become pals but once that bond was formed it was tight. She is now 14 and as soon as she arrives home from school, she lays on the floor and Uggs lays over her, providing the deep pressure that she needs to calm her after a long day. She leads her when we are out walking and to see how the relationship has developed between them is purely heart-warming.
Uggs totally trusts Tiegan and Tiegan totally trusts Uggs. If Tiegan is having a hard day or a rough night, she goes to Uggs for comfort and Uggs loves the attention. We as a family have had our world opened wide since Uggs joined our family, her presence gave us the opportunity to learn strategies in environments that previously we would have had to avoid.
We were so impressed with the programme that we went on to raise two additional puppies who went on to be companions for other families. My only regret about the whole experience is that we didn’t apply sooner!!!
Carol Lennon
Lola and Farrah
Our experience with My canine Companion has changed our whole family's life for the better. Our dog Farrah has truly changed our daughters life.
She is her best friend and we have watched our daughter thrive with Farrah by her side.
All the trainers have been so amazing and supportive from day one and I'm grateful for all the new and wonderful people it has brought to our lives. We look forward to many more adventures with Farrah by our side.
Caroline Reilly – Lola’s mom (Dublin)
Danny and Harvey – Tricia Millar
Having Danny in our family is without a doubt, a life saving decision. My Canine Companion took me through the puppy programme with Danny and he came out a fantastic service dog.
Harvey has the power to do anything he wants now. With Danny, we can take on the world, as a whole family, together
Tricia Millar – Harvey’s mom (Co Carlow)
Riley and Willow – Nicole
When My Canine Companion Autism Service Dogs matched my son Riley with a 12-week-old puppy, Willow, I don't think we could have ever imagined the bond that could have blossomed. But through all of her training in the puppy programme, on her way to qualifying in 2018, Willow was right by his side, licking his hands to keep him calm, and cuddling him when he was sad. The friendship that grew was amazing to watch.
Before Riley was attached to Willow, he had to be in a buggy at all times, when we were out and about, for his own safety. He is a huge flight risk and sees no danger, so he will run into roads, and in front of cars.
In January 2019, Riley and Willow were attached, and that is the day my little boy's life changed. He ditched the buggy, and we have not looked back since. He has a whole new sense of Independence, and now he walks proudly next to Willow, attached by a belt, and holds her handle proudly while we are out and about.
She gives him confidence, keeps him safe and most of all she is his best friend
We will be forever grateful to My Canine Companion for our girl, and for everything she does on a daily basis, and we will always fundraise for the charity and support them, so that other children can get the gift that Riley has gotten.
new level of support, and people who understand the world of Autism, something which can be quite lonely. My Canine Companion is truly a family, and one that Riley and I are SO proud to be part of.
Nicole Duggan – Riley’s mom (Co Cork)
Hilda and Kane – Debbie Donohue
Hilda is an autism assistance dog for my son Kane who is 13 years old. She came into our lives as a 10-week-old puppy through the My Canine Companion puppy training programme in 2016. At that stage Kane was just 8 and had no danger awareness. Leaving the house was very stressful as he had outgrown his special needs buggy and wouldn’t hold your hand. You were constantly on guard in case he ran into the road and leaving the supermarket with a trolley of shopping was a nightmare to manage.
Hilda’s presence helped him to cope better in different environments and distracted him from sensory overload. When Hilda qualified as a fully trained assistance dog in 2018, it was life-changing to use the attachment between Kane and Hilda. I remember one day in particular that Kane got very upset when we were out walking and tried to run away onto a busy road. Hilda grounded herself and Kane was kept safe through her intervention. I am forever grateful for her support.
Since Kane has become a teenager, the role Hilda has played has become even more important. His anxiety levels have increased, and he can have meltdowns when out that are very difficult to manage. Having Hilda with us, alerts people that Kane has additional needs without having to say anything. People are more understanding and tolerant once they see an autism service dog which is fantastic for parents of special needs children.
We are forever grateful to My Canine Companion for bringing Hilda into our lives 💚
Debbie Donohue – Kane’s mom (Dublin)
Pixie – Aoibheann and Ruairi
This is pixie she is an autism assistance dog from MCC she works very hard for Ruairi and Aoibhinn she keeps them calm and safe, but most of all she makes us a family again we can all go out together, she has changed our family forever now we get to do things together that other families take for granted and Aoibhinn and Ruairi’s parents don't need to worry because she keeps them both safe as well.
Maureen O Sullivan – Aoibheann and Rauiri’s mom (Carlow)
Sally and Matthew
My family is blessed to have been picked to get a Service dog from My Canine Companion, back in August 2018. Sally arrived into our home for a visit, to see if she would be comfortable,
and whether Sally and my Son Matthew would be a good match.
Sally never left. She chose us before we even got a say. Sally and Matthew are inseparable. The adore each other and thrive in each other’s company. She is his best friend.
Sally has made a huge impact on all of our lives in the 2 years she is with us. She has been a constant source of love and support for each of us. My life has change dramatically since Sally has joined us. I was welcomed with so much support from the My Canine Companion family and have made wonderful friends.
My Canine Companion has really changed our lives, by entrusting Sally to us and giving us back the ability to do stuff as a family, that we never got to do, as it wasn’t possible before. With Sally by my son’s side they will conquer the world.
Karen McCarthy – Matthew’s mom (Co Cork)
Huck and Charlie
We are in some ways a stereotypical Irish family, three kids and live in a small country house on the outskirts of Waterford City. What differentiates us from the rest of the herd, is we have a uniquely fantastic little boy called Charlie, and he has Autism.
Going on family trips to the shop or to destinations that are unplanned, nearly always consist of meltdowns, stress and sometimes even danger as he is a big flight risk. As a family, we needed to find something to help, not only Charlie cope, but make family life more manageable now and into the future.
This is when our research led us to the fantastic charity, My Canine Companion. A charity whose sole purpose is to train dogs to work with people on the spectrum, not only to keep them safe, but to be a companion for that person.
Initially, we began attending dog training classes, to gain understanding in what was required from owners when deciding to take on such a dog, and what impact that would have on our family. Both qualified and training dogs were present, including one of the charities highly professional trainers. As the training session unfolded, it was evident families were required to bring learned skills away and practise with their companion to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual dog. We knew it was going to be tough, but equally, we knew it was exactly what Charlie and our family needed.
We finally got our puppy and began the puppy program. Training with a dog trainer once a month and meet other families with their dogs for socialisation at other times, it definitely can have its ups and downs. it ain't easy, but what you get at the end, is what makes this charity so special.
Our fantastic dog Huck finally completed training in September, of 2020. For the first time, we can bring our son into shops, to the park and for walks along Tramore promenade, none of which could ever have been done before we got Huck. He is a true blessing, not only to our son Charlie, but to our family as a whole and for that, we have only My Canine Companion to thank...
So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Eoin Carroll (Co Waterford)
Shelly, Benny and J
Hiya, my names Maggie and I am the mom of my now 15-year-old Autistic and T1 diabetic son “J”. I had originally heard of My Canine Companion back before it had even been made public in 2011. At the time J’s behaviours included a lot of public meltdowns, bolting and general overstimulation in crowded areas so with his safety needs in mind we began looking for a service dog to help meet J’s needs but the long waiting lists from other charities were making it unlikely for J to get a dog for many years!
Enter Cliona O’Rourke of My Canine Companion, introduced to me by 2 women who were donating books to me for a school charity event. It seemed like there might be hope here, that she’d be the best choice for getting the perfect “Canine Companion” to suit J and our family
After a little while, we got the call, we would be travelling down to Cork to meet our first service dog.
A beautiful white Samoyed lab mix called Shelly in July 2012. The presence of Shelly was a turning point in Jakes life; with his limited speaking abilities at the time his speech and general sociability improved immensely as he was excited to tell every person who asked about Shelly every detail “This is Shelly, she’s a girl and she’s 2 years old” with more words and eventually sentences came to Jake with no difficulties. The 2 years we had with Shelly working with Jake were incredible and really brightened Jakes world, unfortunately after an incident happening to Shelly and no hope to rehabilitate her despite great attempts by MCC she was given early retirement, but we chose to keep her in the family as she had a special place in our hearts and a calming effect for Jake in the home.
Fast forward a couple months to July 2014 with Jake still needing a service dog outside the home My Canine Companion were amazingly able to place us with a second dog that was another match made in heaven for J and our family, enter our very much loved boy “Benny” a stunning pure black Lab setter cross; it took J slightly longer to bond with Benny but it didn’t take too long as this cool new big boy dog with a love for playing chase and fetch wormed his way in. Benny worked by J’s side for the next number of years and as he grew into a teenager, he didn’t require a service dog at all anymore, so Benny slowly moved into retirement and retired in late 2018. Like Shelly; Benny had also left his mark in our home and our hearts and so we also kept him on as a very much-loved pet.
Shelly is now 10 and has slowed down she happily spends her older years on her bed with an ever present awareness for Jake in the home and Ben now almost 9 enjoys his bed and loves his cuddles and ear rubs and is enjoying many beach runs in his retirement.
Little did I know all those years ago sitting with 2 women I had just met and who told me about “My Canine Companion”, that I will still be a part of the charity but in different ways, lots of puppies have now passed through our door as we foster and help to socialize them so they can then be passed onto another family who will go through all the same emotions I did, when I finally got that call…to come to Cork and meet your matched dog.
I’ve watched My Canine Companion grow from strength to strength over the years, and with so many exciting things happening, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Maggie McLaverty
Hannah
Our journey with My Canine Companion began over 7 years ago when we looked into getting a service dog to help assist with the difficulties that are present in children with autism. Children with autism can find it extremely difficult to navigate the day to day challenges that are ever present and all around us. Our service dog Hannah helped us in so many ways when we got Hannah at the beginning of our autism journey.
She is so much more than a dog, she has allowed us to move more freely as a family, to go to the cinema or to a shopping centre to enjoy the simple pleasures of having lunch out in a restaurant. Hannah makes this happen by just been there she is a comfort she provides the sensory feedback with a simple touch that can calm.
Hannah has assisted us in our local town by assisting and creating awareness and understanding around autism we have secured 2 autism parking designated spots at a local shopping centre. Recently with the help of the mayor we secured a designated play time in all council owned playgrounds in the county.
This would not have happened without Hannah.
We are very grateful to Cliona & Niall and all the extended friends we have made through My Canine Companion.
Susan & Hannah doodle (Co Tipperary)
Yoko and Mia
Yoko entered our lives two and a half years ago as a tiny bubbly puppy, but she was no ordinary pup,I told my daughter Mia that this puppy had superpowers with a green jacket. Well this pup proved me right she has enabled Mia to life experiences that would have never been possible without her and for us as a family our lives have turned a whole 360.We are a busy family and Yoko is always at Mia's side, we even went to France, something I could have never imagined!
Autism is hard and life can be eventful, Mia broke her arm last summer Yoko assisted her in a&e ,waited by theatre and stayed with her in the hospital their bond never ceases to amaze us.
I love watching them grow together and that's the magic of the puppy programme with MCC, a unique bond that continues as times goes on , we all want to do what's best for our children and I as Yoko 's handler over the last couple attended puppy training classes, went to socialisation's with other parents ,I would do it all over again to have the life we now enjoy as a functional family that enables Mia to enjoy ,to be able to go to Santa in the coming weeks and all the festivities of the season,
Thank you MCC
Tracey Doyle (Co Cork)