Media

Five service dogs have completed the training and preparation programme to be able to assist people various medical conditions, including diabetes and autism, in their daily lives.

 

Each dog costs around €15,000, but the voluntary organisation Service Dogs Malta Foundation takes care of all the costs of acquiring and training the dogs and passes them on free of charge to the people who will benefit. One of the dogs was sponsored by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector.

 

The dogs were presented to the people who will benefit from them during a graduation ceremony at San Anton Palace, organised by the same Foundation under the patronage of the President of Malta.

 

In her speech, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono praised the work of the Foundation and its volunteers, for the hope and comfort that these service dogs offer to individuals and families in need.

 

The President described the graduation of these five dogs as a new beginning for those who will rely on them in their daily lives, and a testament to how, with dedication, patience and commitment, we can change people’s lives for the better.

 

The evening was also addressed by the Service Dogs Malta Foundation founder and Operations Manager, Joseph Stafrace, and Honourable Julia Farrugia, Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, the Honourable Graziella Galea, Shadow Minister for Inclusion and Consumer Rights and the Archbishop of Malta, His Excellency Monsignor Charles J. Scicluna, who blessed the dogs and the individuals and families who will benefit.