Ireland’s Real Rich List #2
Writing by aj@lecraic on Wednesday, 28 of May , 2008 at 11:40 pm
Read about this in the local paper today and think it’s a fantastic achievement.
Wendy Ryan is from Wicklow Town and has single handedly brought about a change to regulations that barred any dogs (apart from guide dogs) from travelling on public transport.
Wendy has two pet dogs and is involved as a volunteer with an organisation called Peata. Peata organise pet visits to patients in hospitals and institutions.
“The therapeutic use of pets as companions has gained increasing attention in recent years for a wide variety of patients -people with AIDS or cancer, the elderly, and the mentally ill. Unlike people, with whom our interactions may be quite complex and unpredictable, animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention. Animals bring out our nurturing instinct. They also make us feel safe and unconditionally accepted. We can just be ourselves around our pets.”
Due to a disability, Wendy can’t drive so her only alternative is to use public transport but her two pet dogs, Nina and Bitsa were not allowed to travel with her up to now.
After four months of lobbying ALL the public transport services in Ireland, therapy dogs can now board buses, trains and trams for the first time once they are wearing the officially recognised Peata coat.
“The news that the dogs will be allowed on is a big boost but I didn’t just want the changes for me. I wanted it to happen on a national level so that’s very satisfying. I know other people across the country had the same problem.” says Wendy
My hat goes off to Wendy for having the determination to bring about the new regulations and ensuring those who cannot drive themselves can still volunteer and bring the therapeutic benefits to those who need them.
I’m always on the lookout for stories like this, and would really appreciate if you could bring them to my attention via the talk to le craic page.
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Category: real rich list
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