Dogs for Good the charity is hoping to raise awareness of the positive impact that dogs can have on improving feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Dogs for Good enables people to make life-changing differences through specially-trained dogs.
Andrew, from North Yorkshire, has felt the benefits of his assistance dog, Alvin.
He said: “Alvin’s given me a sense of purpose and the confidence to go further, which has broadened my horizons.
“We’ll go on long walks together into the beautiful countryside that surrounds where I live. We’ll go into town were people will stop and chat.
“From the moment I wake up to the time I close my eyes at night, Alvin is by my side, helping me make the most of every day and bringing a few laughs along the way. That’s good enough for me.”
Peter Gorbing, Chief Executive of Dogs for Good says: “There’s no doubt about it, dog walking, whether alone or tagging along with a friend, makes you feel better in yourself.
“Being out in nature and exercise are positive contributors to reducing social isolation, but, importantly, the research findings proved that there is a higher likelihood of social interactions with people that we might never have otherwise thus combatting feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
“We know that isolation and loneliness can be even greater for disabled people and, for many of the people we support, partnership or time spent with a dog can be transformational.”
The charity is asking people to sign up to Dogtober and Get Waking, Start Talking by walking 100km -or their own target – during October to raise vital funds for its work.
Every pound raised will help Dogs for Good enable more people to make life-changing differences through the power of dogs.
To sign up to Dogtober and get a free fundraising pack, go to dogsforgood.org/dogtober
Pictured above are Milli and her assistance dog Emma
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