The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown is working with Ability Dogs 4 Young People to open up the sanctuary to Island residents and visitors who use assistance dogs when out and about.
The trial, which started earlier this month, aims to habituate the sanctuary’s animals to the presence of such dogs, so they are comfortable seeing them around and understand they pose no threat.
If successful, this will enable a whole new Island audience to be able to come in and connect with the animals while enjoying the sanctuary’s peaceful surroundings.
Early signs are good and the interactions between the wild animals and the Ability Dogs has been one of curiosity, with the primates in particular taking an interest in their new-found friends.
Animal manager, Marc Fox, said:
“The sanctuary aims to be as inclusive as possible and this is the next logical step in our drive to enable everyone access to enjoy our animals.
"Of course, the welfare of the animals on both sides is our main priority and we are making sure we do everything gradually to ensure this is safeguarded."
Carol Court, Ability Dogs 4 Young People’s CEO, added:
“We are delighted to be working with the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary to facilitate access for people with their assistance dogs.
"Between us we are looking to provide guidance about where the dogs can go to maintain safe distances for well-being on both sides – so no ‘nose to nose’ interactions!
"We are looking forward to supporting our young recipients with their Ability Dogs when they visit the sanctuary for the first time."
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