10th June 2025
Behind every Autism Assistance Dog is a devoted volunteer family opening their hearts and homes to help change a childās world. Whether itās a puppy in training or a fully qualified companion, these dogs wouldnāt be who they are without the love, time, and care of our incredible volunteers.
We’re delighted to introduce Michelle, Bernadette, Deirdre, Joe and Anna ā four families who have experienced the magic of fostering firsthand. Their stories are full of laughter, learning, and love, and they remind us that when you welcome a puppy, youāre doing far more than raising a dog. Youāre helping build a lifeline.
Michelle McCaffrey
“Iāve been volunteering with Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland for nearly nine years now. I first came across an appeal on Facebook, and Iāve never looked back.
One of the reasons I got involved was because I wanted to give something back. Iād always dreamed of fostering puppies, and when I discovered I could do that while also helping a child with autism, I knew it was the perfect fit. Itās also been a great way to show my own children what it means to give back.
One of the funniest dogs Iāve ever fostered was Waffle, a golden retriever who came to us at eight months old and turned our house upside down! She was brilliant out and about, except when it came to butcher shops, which she just couldnāt handle. At home, she was an absolute fruitcake, but we loved her beyond measure.
Waffle eventually went on to become a buddy dog and is now changing the lives of three children in need of additional support. She was also a notorious counter surfer ā more than a few things went missing from our kitchen! Letās just say she taught us to keep our counters very, very clean.”Ā
Bernadette Albacete
“We decided to volunteer because every time we saw videos online of the dogs with their children, how happy they looked, the difference the dogs were making, we felt that if we could give just a little of our time, it would be something truly worthwhile. We always hoped we could be part of it, and when the timing was right, we jumped in.
We fostered Amy for over 18 months before she went on to her final training. She was such a sweetheart, she absolutely loved cuddles, which often means the dogs wonāt go all the way through the programme, but Amy did! Every day when we came home from work, sheād be so excited to see us and then curl up at our feet while we watched TV.
As a puppy, Amy was hilarious. She was full of energy, she had a thing for laces and slippers. You couldnāt walk past her without her grabbing your shoelaces, and if you left your slippers lying around, sheād snatch them and run off, tail wagging like mad. She brought so much joy and fun into our home.
We still miss her, but we keep in touch with the family she was placed with. They often send us photos and videos, whether sheās out for a run or just being her usual silly self. It means the world to see how happy she is and how much sheās still making people smile.”
Deirdre Kenny
“As a volunteer, one of the most powerful moments is when you get to speak with the families who have received one of our forever dogs. Hearing how these dogs have changed their lives, itās just incredible. While the dogs are with us, theyāre everything to us. Giving them back is never easy. But when you hear how a child now has routine, a friend, a reason to get up in the morning, it makes it all worth it. Some of the dogs even go into schools, and you can see how they brighten the day for everyone they meet.
The biggest skill Iāve learned from working with the pups is patience. It really is key. Sometimes youāre working on something with them for ages, and then suddenly, one day, it just clicks. The penny drops and the dog gets it. That moment is magic.
When I first met Dancer, it was love at first sight. She was gorgeous. I remember seeing her with her littermates, all running around together. They were just beautiful little pups, it was honestly amazing.
She is an absolute joy. Sheās playful, full of fun, and such a sweet little soul. At the end of the day, theyāre just babies. They want to be loved, to have fun, and, of course, to eat! Labradors love food.