Farsons Foundation sponsors Service Dog to be trained as an autistic support dog

The Farsons Foundation recently presented a generous donation to the Service Dogs Malta Foundation, which will be invested in the training of five-month-old Enzo, a Bernese mountain dog who has been acquired by the Foundation to train as an autism support service dog.

Autism support service dogs are trained to help persons who are on the autistic spectrum to carry out daily tasks and face stressful situations that persons who do not suffer from this condition take in their stride. They are chosen as puppies on the basis of a calm temperament and willingness to learn. An autism support service dog can help an autistic person walk into a crowded room, take the bus to work, remain calm and interact with others in a way which would not be possible without the help of the dog. Apart from making life a little bit easier for such people, autism support service dogs also offer unconditional love and companionship.

Depending on the dog’s aptitude, training can take up to two years and can cost up to €15,000. The Farsons Foundation’s financial contribution will help the Service Dogs Malta Foundation cover some of the costs that go into training a service dog such as vaccinations, vet fees, insurance and training costs. Once the dog has reached an advanced level of training, he is matched with a person who needs his services and, if all goes well, is assigned to the person without any financial obligation but on condition that he is monitored regularly.

This sponsorship falls within The Farsons Foundation’s corporate social responsibility programme and ties in well with the Foundation’s commitment to support deserving initiatives and charitable causes and uphold the highest standards of corporate behaviour.

The Service Dogs Malta Foundation greatly appreciates The Farsons Foundation’s support of its mission which is to eventually match a service dog with every person who needs one.