Bringing Beth out of her shell and into the world

Beth & Maddie

Social situations were always challenging for Beth. At 15, her autism and learning difficulties meant she preferred to stay in her room. After noticing how much Beth had enjoyed time with a friend’s dog, her family took the step to welcome Maddie into their home…

Our search for a dog started after we looked after a friend’s dog while she was in hospital. Beth loved having the dog around and we quickly noticed that she was more chatty and confident. Even friends and other family noticed a difference.

“It’s amazing how the bond between Beth and Maddie has grown. Family dog workshops and the whole Dogs for Good team’s support really helped us make the most of Beth’s relationship with Maddie.”
— Mark, Beth’s dad

UNEXPECTED FREEDOM: Maddie’s presence had made family holidays possible.

Beth is now happy to try new things because Maddie is there. We’ve seen her confidence soar.

“If you’d told me how much difference that a dog could make to my daughter in just a year then I don’t think I’d ever have believed you.”

Beth’s found such a great friend in Maddie, we couldn’t imagine life without her.
We’ve even been on holiday, which can be really difficult for a child with autism. I can’t believe the difference it made. Beth happily chatted to new people about Maddie and how she helps her and even managed to order a hot chocolate in a café and pay for it herself – she’d never have done that before.

“It’s amazing that Beth’s found such a great friend in Maddie; we couldn’t imagine life without her.”

Dogs like Maddie open doors, they connect people, they keep families together, they help make life possible in so many ways. Your support will enable more people to benefit from our dogs.
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