National Service Dogs recognizes the special bonds that develop between dogs and their families. As a result, our Companion Dog Program was founded in 2002 and was formalized in 2009. The addition of this program allows NSD to serve more individuals and families each and every day.
In 2022, National Service Dogs reinvented our companion dog program to provide Skilled Companion Dogs to children with a physical disability or mental health diagnosis. Skilled Companion Dogs undergo approximately two years of training, including basic obedience and support skills. They do not have public access and instead provide support in the home environment and spaces where pet dogs are welcome.
In 2017, 6.3 million Canadians aged 15 or older had been diagnosed with a disability. Many of these individuals struggle to find independence, security, purpose, and social acceptance. Skilled Companion Dogs help them regain these things.
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
Increased Psychological Well-Being
The large, soft and comforting presence of a skilled companion dog may help Children and adults with an autism diagnosis who struggle with sensory disorders by providing just the right amount of sensory input. Skilled companion dogs can also provide day-to-day support, which may reduce stress and anxiety for individuals with various disabilities.
A Sense of Purpose
A skilled companion dog is a great way to start building daily routine, responsibility and a resulting sense of accomplishment. It can help children and adults build confidence and a sense of purpose.
Increased Socialization
Many children and adults with these types of conditions and diagnoses may struggle to make connections. They may feel isolated and hesitant to join social gatherings or even uncomfortable when it comes to talking with others. A skilled companion dog provides a built-in stepping stone toward friendship. These companions make great conversation starters, as people are often more eager to talk to someone with a dog. Walking the dog in their community can provide more opportunities to meet new people and form friendships.
Relief from Insomnia
The presence of a skilled companion dog can be reassuring and comforting for individuals who struggle to sleep through the night. These dogs can sleep in the same room or in the bed to provide a sense of safety and security and even light pressure therapy as needed.
Increase Sense of Safety
Skilled Companion Dogs can provide a sense of safety for individuals who may live alone. They can also make great walking buddies for children who are anxious. They can also serve as a visual reminder to stay close for children that tend to wander into dangerous situations outside.
Companionship
Children & adults who have been diagnosed with disabilities may have fewer natural opportunities to go and engage with their community or may be limited by a physical disability and spend more time at home. Thus leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. A skilled companion dog provides a source of friendship and company right in the home.
These dogs have personality traits that make them better suited to “work from home”. They may have behaviours that are not appropriate out in public or be slightly uncomfortable in public spaces, yet 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 for a skilled companion dog.
Individuals must;
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.
Title Sponsorship: $10,000
Contact: info@nsd.on.ca
