First Assistance Dog for Dementia graduates in Melbourne

The first Dementia Dog to graduate in Melbourne

Six Assistance Dogs will be taking part in a special graduation ceremony with Assistance Dogs Australia. Having trained for this day for 2 years, the graduation marks the official handover of these Super Dogs to their new owners.

This graduation will be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, with the first ever Dementia Assistance Dog participating in the ceremony.

“It will be a wonderful occasion and we are very much looking forward to it. The people who raise these dogs deserve a medal for the wonderful results achieved.” said Vyrna, who has recently received a Dementia Assistance Dog for her husband Rolf.

The Dogs 4 Dementia program was launched in 2015, and is the second of its kind in the world. Working in partnership with HammondCare, the program has already placed 4 Dementia Assistance Dogs in Victoria.

Also in attendance will be Sgt Rob Atkins, a Victorian Police Sergeant who was matched with Jimmy, a Post-traumatic stress Assistance Dog.

Assistance Dogs Ambassador and client Tim McCallum will be hosting the event in Queensbridge Square, Melbourne, with his Assistance Dog Roxy.

Assistance Dogs Australia is celebrating its 20^th birthday year in 2016, and what better way to celebrate than with a graduation ceremony with a difference.

The six graduating teams include; 3 Physical Disability Assistance Dogs, one Autism Assistance Dog, one Dementia Assistance Dog and one Post-traumatic stress Dog.

This event is open to the public.

Thursday 7^th April 2016

12.30pm – 2pm

The Red Stairs, Queensbridge Square, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC, 3006.

Assistance Dogs Australia: Assistance Dogs Australia is a national charity which trains Labradors and Golden Retrievers to help people with disabilities, providing them with greater freedom and independence. In 2016, the charity celebrates its 20th birthday, having placed over 200 Assistance Dogs across Australia. Dogs are placed free of charge, to a wide range of clients, including families with autism, people living with post-traumatic stress, schools, people with dementia and people with physical disabilities. It costs in excess of $27,000 to train and place a dog, and Assistance Dogs Australia receives no government funding. For more info, visit assistancedogs.org.au or call 1800 688 364.