GUIDE DOGS: Great Wall challenge to train puppies
The search is on for adventurous people to hike along the Great Wall of China and raise funds to train puppies to be assistance dogs for disabled people.
Dogs for the Disabled’s third charity trek, The Great Wall of China Challenge, takes place from 25 April to 4 May 2009. Everyone who takes part will do so in the knowledge that every step they take will help provide more dogs – offering confidence, companionship and independence to disabled people across the UK.
Every dog trained by the charity learns tasks such as picking up pens, opening doors, helping a person undress, even emptying the washing machine. For some people this makes the difference between living alone and needing full-time care. But the benefits a dog can bring do not end with practical tasks. They also help build confidence, break down social barriers and provide companionship.
It costs thousands of pounds to train each dog from a young pup through to becoming a fully-fledged working animal and there are many disabled people who could benefit from having an assistance dog if more could be trained.
Peter Gorbing, Chief Executive of Dogs for the Disabled, has taken part in the charity’s last two fundraising treks in Italy and Jordan. He said: “By taking up the challenge of our Great Wall trek in China you will help provide a disabled person with the priceless gift of independence that comes from having an assistance dog.”
