SKILLED COMPANION DOGS
Changing Lives Through Hope
Recognizing the special bonds that develop between dogs and their families, NSD’s Skilled Companion Dogs are placed with children and youth with various disabilities. Their training emulates our other Service Dog programs, with support staying in the home environment.
“Skilled Companion Dogs help those with disabilities find peace, security, purpose, and social acceptance.”
Benefits
How Skilled Companion Dogs Can Help
Physiological Well-Being
Providing day-to-day support reduces stress and anxiety for individuals with various disabilities. Our Skilled Companion Dogs have a soft and comforting presence, providing sensory input to those that need it.
Sense of Purpose
Building a daily routine with the responsibility of an NSD dog can result in a sense of accomplishment, stability, and safety, making it easier for children to increase their confidence everyday.
Increased Socialization
With potentially fewer opportunities to engage with their communities, children with disabilities can benefit from Skilled Companion Dogs as a built-in stepping stone toward friendship.
SUCCESS STORIES
A Dog With A Heart That Connects Beyond Words
Sammy is an amazing beautiful dog with a heart that connects beyond words. Last night was the easiest night I have ever had to put my boys to sleep. Usually, it can take up to 2 hours before they can settle enough to sleep (it has taken me 3 hours when they were younger!), and that is already after being in their bedroom!
Yesterday they were under their blankets, and Sammy was right between them, giving love! With joy in all our hearts, we started saying goodnight, then goodnight moon (from the book), “goodnight Sammy,” then sleep and quiet snoring!
Ose
SUCCESS STORIES
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Thank you so very much for the joy you have brought into my life by giving us Reece. She is perfect in every way!
My daughter Melissa (who has severe autism, and had previously received 2 service dogs from NSD) is in love with Reece. She can’t say her name but calls Reece, “Ree”. Reece has filled a big void in our life with the loss of my dear hubby in August 2021. Since Reece has arrived, my heart is so full.
Dianne and Melissa
SUCCESS STORIES
Rawz Just Has This Knack For Being Around Julian
Julian really has a lot of fun with Rawz. He loves to play ball hockey with her out on the driveway, but mostly she’s just a great companion for all of us!
She’s very comforting, she really reduces Julian’s anxiety. When he’s having some outbursts, she’s really good at helping him to stay calm and to just refocus his energy. She just has this knack for being around Julian when he needs her.
Nancy, Joe, and Julian
SUCCESS STORIES
Scotty Was The Panacea
When I let Scotty check out the house, I opened Matt’s bedroom door and he dashed straight to him, who was still sleeping. There was no shortage of happy wet kisses on Scotty’s part, and there were plenty of genuine smiles and hugs from Matthew. Their bond was instantaneous. Although we still experience grief, Scotty continues to bring us joy and smiles where there haven’t been in some time.
Matt and Tim
SUCCESS STORIES
A Special Ability to Foster Peace and Joy
We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Andy into our lives last September, and it has been such a life changing journey. Zoey and Andy have become best buddies and she has so much love for her “Andy Baby”!
Andy is always there to give the best kisses and the warmest snuggles. He is always looking out for Zoey, and loves to be apart of everything going on in the house! Whether Zoey is playing with toys, colouring, watching a movie, or during bath time- he loves to be there as a constant companion. Andy has a special ability to foster peace and joy in our family’s day to day lives, and he has touched the hearts of each member of our family. We will forever be thankful to NSD and everyone involved in raising and training such an incredible companion dog.
Zoey and the White family
Open Doors:
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Each of our dogs is provided to those in need, free of charge. Help support our mission by donating today.
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Everything You Need to Know
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Do I Qualify?
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Our Skilled Companion Dogs do NOT have public access, but they graduate with similar training as our other Service Dogs.
These dogs have personality traits that make them better suited to “Work from Home”. They may have behaviors that are not appropriate out in public, or might be slightly uncomfortable in public spaces, yet they still have a strong desire to work.
For example, a Skilled Companion Dog might bark at sudden noises. But things are much more predictable in someone’s home, and the routine environment is less likely to startle the dog as they assist their partner with certain tasks.
Skilled Companion Dogs are matched with Children under the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with a disability, including mental health diagnosis. Adults over 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability may also qualify.
Individuals must:
- Be able to provide a doctor’s note pertaining to their diagnosis
- Be able to support the daily care of a dog, including covering the cost of all food, grooming and vet care
- Live within 2-hours of NSD
- Have no more than two personal dogs living in their home
- Not leave the dog home alone for more than 8 hours a day
Skilled Companion Dogs are valued at $30,000 over the course of their working life; however, each dog is provided free of charge to approved clients. NSD receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations from the general public, corporate sponsors, fundraising events, and community supporters.
The application process includes the following:
- Eligibility questionnaire to see if you/your family qualifies
- Phone interview to learn more about lifestyle and discuss further questions or concerns
- Detailed application including reference letters, vulnerable sector check, and doctor’s notes. The application fee for this step is $50
- In-home interview to meet the applicant and discuss further questions and concerns
Final acceptance is determined following the in-home interview; applicants may be disqualified at any time during the application process. NSD will consider all applicants equally regardless of race, sex, gender, religion or creed. *Please note that NSD has a small client services team and can only review 20 questionnaires at a time. The questionnaire will be temporarily closed when we reach our limit to give our team time to review each questionnaire. Those who have submitted a questionnaire can expect a response in 5-10 business days.
Pioneering Change
Since 2002, NSD has fostered companionship through our Companion Dog Program. In 2022, we reinvented the program, offering specially trained Skilled Companion Dogs to children facing a variety of challenges. After undergoing two years of training, they provide support in the home environment and spaces where pet dogs are welcome. They do NOT have public access.
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Since 2009, Skilled Companion Dogs have filled a unique role for the families who rely on them. They provide children and youth with key mental health supports; reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep hygiene and fostering inclusion, empathy and companionship.
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