BRIAN CROWLEY LAUNCHES REFLECTIVE DOGWEAR FOR  CHARITY

Emily Dogs Ireland, the West Cork-based national charity that intends to train assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities and to train seizure alert dogs for those with epilepsy, recently launched their range of reflective dog and walker wear at a pleasant function held at the Quality Hotel, Clonakilty. Munster M.E.P. Brian Crowley was guest of honour who performed the official launch that was attended by representatives of many local and national disability organisations. Also present were the Mayors of Clonakilty Town, Cllr. Séamus O’ Brien and of County Cork, Cllr. Tadhg O’ Donovan.

Elizabeth Walsh, who graduated recently with a Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling from Southampton University and is the founder/manager of Emily Dogs Ireland welcomed everyone and gave a brief history of how and why the organisation was founded in 1995. Having being diagnosed with M.S. herself, she often found herself almost unable to move in the early years of the illness. She noticed how her dog Emily began instinctively and without training, assisting her owner with household tasks she found difficult herself. These included opening door handles, carrying washing and fetching items and giving them to her. She began studying and researching this more and found that there were already such dogs trained in England and other countries, but not in Ireland. She discovered that specially trained dogs for disabled people can mean great independence, because as well as performing the "jobs around the house", the dogs also act as a mobility and balancing aid while moving. This spurred her on to found "Emily Dogs Ireland" whose aim is to build a number of regional training centres around Ireland where dogs can be trained, and matched with potential clients.

After her introduction, Elizabeth went on to highlight how far behind Ireland is in relation to rights and services for the disabled community. The Year of People with Disabilities was that in name only. She described government cutbacks in the area as short-sighted, and compared the awareness in Britain where disabled people with assistance dogs qualify for a weekly grant from some councils to help with the animals feeding costs. As well as assisting those with physical disability, trained dogs can be of great assistance to people with epilepsy, as dogs can sense an attack coming on up to 45 minutes before it happens.

The plan is to build the first training unit in West Cork, and the voluntary housing association Cluid have committed to provide the buildings as soon as they have concluded negotiations with the County Council. In the meantime, large amounts of money will be needed to run the complex, and she put the politicians on notice that Emily Dogs Ireland is looking for a slice off the dormant bank accounts that are to be released shortly to charities. She urged people in the meantime to spread the word about the project, and to promote the reflective wear, which when worn shows up the dog and the person walking it at night.

Mayor of Clonakilty Cllr. Séamus O’ Brien pledged the support of the Town Council to Emily Dogs Ireland and to assist in any way possible. He pointed out that there is a great awareness in Clonakilty about disability issues, and that the town is one of the most accessible in the country. Cllr. Tadhg O’ Donovan, Mayor of County Cork echoed similar sentiments saying that we should be striving towards less carers and more independent living for people with disabilities.

Noted disability rights campaigner Cathy Sinnott was also present and lauded the idea. She pointed out that she already has many clients waiting to receive a trained Emily Dog, but lamented the lack of funding towards this and similar projects all over the country, which leaves disabled people still regarded as second-class citizens.

Brian Crowley, M.E.P., who is the Patron of Emily Dogs Ireland, officially launched the reflective wear, which also includes jacket for young children. He has been aware of the project since it’s inception, and praised Elizabeth Walsh’s vision in starting the charity. He told the attentive crowd, (that included a few canine models sporting the jackets), that when disabled people will eventually receive Emily Dogs, it will give them a huge sense of independence. He too was critical of those who discriminate against the less abled in our society, and called for the elimination of indifference towards them. He commended Emily Dogs, and everyone who is working to make communities more understanding of the needs and rights of disabled people. He pledged his ongoing support, and looked forward to the day when the first training centre would be opened in West Cork.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Walsh expressed her thanks to all who made the occasion such a success including the Emily Dogs Committee, Management and Staff of the Quality Hotel, the local and national media and the local outlets who are stocking the reflective wear - Harrington’s Pharmacy and Kenny and Sexton Faxbridge Vets both in Clonakilty and Jeffersports and the Riverview Vet Clinic in Bandon. The reflective wear can be viewed on (and ordered on) this site or the organisation may be contacted on 086-3971607.

The dog coats are made of high quality, breathable, oil resistant, stretchable, strong, flexible, high visibility material, complete with reflector strips. The walkers can purchase a high visibility/reflective vest, which will compliment their dog’s attire in addition to adding to their safety. Emily Dogs are the first to remember children’s safety, designing a high visibility/reflective vest for the under 12`s. These high quality items enhance the individuals`visibility at night and in low light situations. The reflective material acts to return the light created from headlights back to source creating a bright image that motorists can identify from a distance, allowing them time to react and alter their speed and road position if required for safety. People who wear reflective items not only enhance their own safety, but that of their dogs and of the motorists whom they are likely to encounter.