THE mother of a local autistic child has called for the public to be more aware of the role of assistance dogs.
Eight-year-old Ryan McGrail, from Finglas, is terrified of other children and his family have leased an assistance dog from the Irish Guide Dogs since April of this year.
Mackey, a highly-trained Labrador Retriever, has transformed Ryan’s life so he is now more at ease in social situations and is able to attend full-time schooling for the first time.
However, the McGrail family are finding that their biggest obstacle is that people want to pet the dog while he’s working to make Ryan feel safe, secure and calm.
According to his mum Orlagh, people’s lack of awareness of assistance dogs is defeating the purpose of having one, particularly in Ryan’s case.
“Some people are fantastic and understand that the dog is working and shouldn’t be petted or distracted but there are others who think he’s an attraction,
? she told Northside People.
“I wouldn’t mind but one of the reasons we have Mackey is because Ryan is terrified of other children and can run off if he feels scared.
“People just don’t understand or take any heed of the fact that he’s an assistance dog, even though he’s got a sign on him saying he is working and shouldn’t be distracted.
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The situation leads to Ryan’s fear of other children being thrust upon him happening on a regular basis.
“I could be trying to pay for something in the shop with Ryan and Mackey when there is suddenly a crowd of people around us wanting to rub him,
? Orlagh explained.
“It can be very stressful for all of us because Mackey wants to protect Ryan who gets scared and uncomfortable and I’m trying to pay for my shopping and keep both the dog focused and Ryan calm.
“Ryan is high functioning and his anxiety can be very crippling.
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Orlagh also finds it frustrating when they are refused entry to shops and when people fail to realise that Mackey is attached to Ryan though a belt when he is working.
“One woman almost knocked Ryan down recently trying to get to Mackey to rub him,
? she explained.
“I know it’s just because of a lack of awareness but that’s why I think it is important to highlight that assistance and guide dogs shouldn’t be distracted when they’re working.
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In 2005, the Irish Guide Dogs launched the Assistance Dogs Programme, the first of its kind in Europe.
The programme has been hugely successful and there’s a lengthy waiting list of people who wish to apply for the assistance dogs who help to control and improve the behaviour of children with autism and other conditions.
The assistance dogs promote calmness and act as a safety aid to parents so that outings to public places become less stressful and families can enjoy greater freedom and mobility.
They also help to improve children’s social and communication skills as well as confidence and independence.
According to Orlagh, Ryan has become more assured, calm and happy since Mackey joined the family.
“He has more empathy and absolutely adores Mackey,
? she explained.
“I couldn’t imagine our life without him now. When we’re at home he’s off duty but I still find that he goes straight to Ryan if he sees him upset.
“I had never been able to bring both my sons to the park together until we got Mackey because of the risk of Ryan running away.
“I couldn’t go shopping with Ryan without Mackey. He’s fantastic. If Mackey sees or hears a baby ahead of us crying we know that’s a danger zone for Ryan. All I have to do is say left or right and Mackey will take Ryan in that direction and away from the situation.
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Mackey will work as an assistance dog for eight years after which time the McGrail family will be given the option of adopting him.