For many people with disabilities, animals are an important part of life. Special skills dogs for people who are blind or Deaf, or have epilepsy or a physical disability, can enhance independence, safety and community involvement. Therapeutic animals have many benefits; even companion animals can have a special place in the life of a person with a disability.

• HABAC promotes the enrichment of the lives of humans through a caring partnership with animals. Please visit there website at http://home.istar.ca/~habac/.
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• Find out what The Canadian Alliance For Animal-Assisted Services are doing! http://www.enablelink.org/animals/Alliance/index.html
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• What is therapeutic riding? Therapeutic Riding is a unique and holistic approach to therapy, rehabilitation and recreation. The Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program provides a safe environment introducing children and adults to the benefits and joys of the healing powers of the horse. The team consists of Instructors who are certified through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, a consulting Physiotherapist who is trained in hippotherapy, enthusiastic volunteers who offer their expertise and caring and of course our wonderful horses! Check it out! http://www.therapeuticriding.ca
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• Meet dogs who do most everything in the ABILITIES article, "Dogs on Duty: Canines Provide Helping Paws," which appeared in the magazine's Fall 2000 issue. Huskie dogs Misha and Nanook help Bo get around town in his manual wheelchair. Seiko can warn Sue when she is about to have a seizure. And Kiwi, in addition to doing laundry and retrieving items from the refrigerator, has saved Lisa's life more than once. Read about "Dogs on Duty".
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• Would you be proud to introduce your pet or special skills dog and tell the world's online community how he or she enriches your life? Showcase an animal who has made a difference in your life! Send us your success story, along with a photo of your cherished friend, to us at [email protected]. We will include it in our upcoming online Pet Portraits!
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• You may be interested in learning about a brand new national consumer organization: Guide Dog Users of Canada. This new group represents the rights and interests of people who use guide dogs, acts as an information support network, and works to educate the public. Members also want to share experiences, socialize and have fun! To get involved, call GDUC at (613) 830-1398, or e-mail [email protected].

Don't forget to share! Send us your animal - related news, updates and events to include on EnableLink.
E-mail [email protected].