Dogs for Kids with Disabilities (DKD) is a charity making kid’s lives better in Victoria. Dogs for Kids with Disabilities was started by Katie Hunter. Katie was a guide dog trainer but realised that well-trained dogs could provide benefits to people with a broader range of disabilities. Launched in 2012, DKD is a Registered Charity that is also DGR(you get a tax deduction for donations).
What Dogs for Kids with Disabilities Does
Dogs for Kids with Disabilities is an Australian group doing similar work as touchingly captured in the first episode of Netflix’s “Dogs”. Their core work is raising and training dogs to be assistant dogs or companion animals. They go specifically to children with disabilities. These dogs help reduce anxiety, promote independence, foster greater community relations and help teach empathy.
Well trained dogs help achieve the organisation’s mission of improving the lives of kids with disabilities. DKD often provides a best friend for kids with physical or intellectual disabilities.
This video is an excellent introduction to the fantastic work they are doing and the positive impact on just one family.
It takes two years of growing and training for a puppy to progress to the stage it can be an assistance dog. This costs around $40,000. Families receiving the dogs for their children have to help with fundraising.
Ways you can help
There are many ways you can help support this worthy cause. You can assist with donating your time, money or both.
- Donate any amount of money to help with vet costs, training, toys or food.
- Sign up for an annual membership for $40 per year.
- Become a foster carer for puppies in training. You look after a puppy for the first 12 months of their life.
- Volunteer time to help with fundraising activities like BBQ’s and other events.
These dogs really are superheroes. This is just one of the many ways dogs make our lives and society better.
Find out more info about Dogs for Kids with Disabilities on their website.
