Happiness: an assistance dog called Niilo

March 20, 2023 by Martin Atkin

“Happiness means independence. It means the freedom to live my life the way I want, and that is exactly what Niilo enables me to do. For me, happiness means Niilo.” Ten year old black Labrador assistance dog Niilo and wheelchair user Elina Jokisuu are a familiar sight around Helsinki, Finland. “Niilo makes me happy by being my constant

Meet the new ADI Board Chair Danny Vancoppernolle

March 6, 2023 by Martin Atkin

Danny was elected ADI Board Chair and started his term at the beginning of this year. With nearly 20 years in the assistance dog sector at Belgian, European and international levels, Danny brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post. How did you get involved with assistance dogs? I’ve actually had three very different careers. I studied

How assistance dogs are unlocking careers in science and medicine - one lab at a time.

February 11, 2023 by Martin Atkin

When final-year medical student Anna Serrano graduates as a fully-qualified doctor later this year, she will know just who to thank. Anna’s assistance dog Benji has been by her side for throughout her studies - and she knows she couldn’t have done it without him. “I call him Doctor Benji, because he attends all my classes and knows just

Cooperation agreement set to benefit assistance and guide dog users worldwide

February 10, 2023

Assistance dogs and their partners all over the world are set to benefit from an exciting new collaboration announced today between the two leading organizations for setting standards and accrediting assistance and guide dog training programs. Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) have signed a Memorandum of

Assistance Dogs International Announces New Board

January 26, 2023

PRESS RELEASE Assistance Dogs International announces new Board. For immediate release 26 January 2023 - Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the world’s leading standards setter and accreditation body for assistance dogs, today announced a new Board of Directors line-up for 2023 aimed at growing international membership and ensuring the best

Meet the ‘Muggles’ training to become assistance dogs

November 21, 2022 by Martin Atkin

“It’s a perfect partnership. We’re looking for a dog to train, and the dog is looking for a new home. With the right trainers, behaviourists, foster homes and the right clients we can help rescue dogs lead their best life and become great assistance dogs” Garry Botterill is a man on a mission. He’s just been tipped off that a

The magic of diabetic alert dogs

November 14, 2022 by Martin Atkin

When diabetes nurse Claire Pesterfield - herself a Type 1 diabetic - realized her condition was starting to affect her work, she knew it was time to act. “It was getting to the stage where I was falling into a diabetic coma in front of my patients, and that wasn’t a good look,” says Claire. “I even considered retiring on medical

Man's Best Friend: How Assistance Dogs Help Autism Families

October 28, 2022 by Martin Atkin

Check out this great article about Autism Assistance Dogs in this month's Autism Parenting Magazine which features contributions from ADI members Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and Support Dogs, explaining the incredible difference a properly trained assistance dog can make to the lives of autistic children and their families. You can read the whole
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