Cute Digger is a 7-month old Labrador that could melt anyone’s heart and he has! Club Services Ipswich (CSI) have been selected to support this Smart Pup as he goes through his training to become a fully trained assistance dog.
CSI’s General Manager Natalia Onoprichuk said the club is thrilled and honoured to have the responsibility to support its first Smart Pup through its training to become a helpful companion to a young person in the Ipswich area living with autism or mental health challenges.
“We were delighted to be allowed to name the pup Digger and he will hold very special place in our hearts and we feel privileged to be given this opportunity to help support our community in this way.
Smart Pups make such an important contribution to the lives of people facing special needs and it is a very costly exercise to prepare them to become an assistance dog.
“Smart pups are trained to be task specific. These dogs have a profound effect on the lives of children with special needs. They can reduce anxiety, alert imminent seizures, assist with routines and coping with everyday living and be a loving companion in the lives of these children.
“Basically the assistance dogs greatly help and assist with social, emotional, behavioural and sensory challenges in the child,” Ms Onoprichuk said.
Digger was an immediate hit when he visited CSI with his handler from not-for profit organisation Smart Pups but it’s now back to serious training for him as Smart Pups are trained from 10-weeks-old and then placed with their family at around12-18months old.
CSI will be posting updates about Digger’s progress on their facebook page and you can find out more about the work of Smart pups online at www.smartpups.org.au
