VITA e.V.-Training to become an Assistant Dog  

In the Westerwald there is a training center for dogs, that, after a 2 year training period are able to perform as helpers, psychological support and "best friend" to people with handicaps. These dogs give "their" partner more independence because they can perform functions such as picking up and carrying items, pressing doorbells and elevator buttons as well as opening doors. But (almost more importantly) they help to build bridges between their partners and other people. They invite encounters and help to establish contacts. That means that they bring acceptance, recognition and joy to the life of people with handicaps. And quite often Assistant Dogs are the source of energy, hope and the strength to live with illness and to master daily life.

And especially children, who are so often at a disadvantage, suffer from low self esteem, insecurity and loneliness, find in their Assistant Dogs a best friend with whom they can play and cuddle and look to for comfort.

Sophia and Elsa - our Team 2015

Sophia is a young girl who is a hemiplegic. She is dependent on a wheelchair. Sophia and her mother live alone. Sophia spends most of her free time in front of the television. Now, going through puberty, she is experiencing mood swings.

She is becoming more conscious of her handicap-her differentness. She often has intense pain. An operation could probably improve her situation. Sophia is afraid and has refused the procedure.

Since Sophia became acquainted with VITA e.V., she has dreamed of receiving an Assistant Dog. The young dog, Elsa, had, as a puppy, already met Sophia during her visit to the training center in Hümmerich. Since that time, Sophia and her mother have been regular guests at VITA. Sophia is in love with Elsa and the feeling seems to be mutual..

We would like to finance Elsa's training in 2015.

The single mother can barely manage to fulfill the financial needs of her family. The acquisition of an Assistant Dog is completely out of the question. Sophia and her mother need our support.

DON'T STOP BELIEVIN' - a benefit concert on July 3, 2015 in RuhrCongress Bochum

Goodwill ambassadors Bernie Blanks (singer and presenter) and Dagmar Krautscheid (presenter) are supporting VITA e.V. Assistant Dogs for the 5th time.

For the past 4 years we have been able to collect the sum of €25,000 for the training of Assistant Dogs.

For the past 4 years brilliant performers have given the audience an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

For the past 4 years at the end of the evening, man and dog were happily united.

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Please help Sophia & Elsa by purchasing tickets to DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'! July 03 in Bochum.
Tickets at: http://tinyurl.com/ph277hr
  
Or make a  donation to, " DSB-2015"  for VITA at the Deutsche Bank. Bank code: 500 700 24. Account number: 30 109 15
IBAN: DE 63500700240301091500, BIC-Swift: DEUTDEDBFRA

To donate via Paypal, just click on the button below!