Q & A with an Assistance Dog

A unique interview with Clive, an Irish working dog working for his beloved autistic globetrotter, Murray. Q1: Except for incredible good looks and wisdom, what qualities would you recommend an assistance dog should have, and how does one obtain the necessary qualifications in order to pursue such a career? Assistance Dogs need patience, a sense of fun, a willingness to play and a big sense of responsibility. Assistance Dogs really need to love children and accept and understand that they are working with children with special needs. Just like our cat understands Murray is special and the horses he rides instinctively know and understand Murray and his needs—I understand Murray and we work really well together. I was trained by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind who train dogs for the blind and visually impaired and for children with autism. I was puppy walked by a volunteer puppy walking family for the first 10 months of my life and then I went back to the Guide Dog Training Centre where I had my intensive training to qualify as an Assistance Dog. I was fully trained and working at 18 months and was the first Goldendoodle Assistance Dog in Ireland. My three brothers Clint, Chad, and Cash all went on to become Guide Dogs. Q2: What does an assistance dog pack in his suitcase? My coat needs a lot of maintenance, so I always travel with a selection of brushes and combs to keep my coat in tip top condition. I also pack my favourite blanket that I sleep on when we travel to new places. Q3: What transportation methods have you experienced, and which one is your favorite? Planes, trains, and automobiles–I've been in them all. I'm in the car everyday and love travelling with Murray. I lie beside him, usually on the back seat of the car, with my head on his lap so he can pet me. I've travelled to Belgium, France and Spain on planes and, as a service dog, I am allowed to sit under Murray's feet on the plane. Every time we have travelled the airlines have been particularly helpful and have allocated an extra seat to us— so I have plenty of room. Planes are my favourite because it usually means a really interesting holiday! Q4: How do you pass airport checkpoints? On check-in at Dublin Airport I just produce my pet passport, plus a letter from Murray's doctor confirming that he is on the autistic spectrum and needs to have me travelling with him. I never have any difficultly flying out of Dublin airport or returning home to Ireland. Sometimes we have to answer a few extra questions, but usually we get only help and assistance. At the security gate I walk through ahead of Murray and the security officer usually opens the pockets on my working jacket just to check what I carry inside (poop bags only!) On arrival back in Dublin airport I have to check in with the vet at the Department of Agriculture office in the baggage reclaim section; the vet checks my pet passport, gives my micro-chip a quick read, and makes sure I have been tick and flea-treated within the previous 48 hours before I flew home.