Mikey Logan from Jamestown needs the specialist trained dog to keep him safe as his hearing loss means he is at a higher risk of accidents.

Mikey’s mum Christina Logan says the dog could literally be a life saver for Mikey: “Mikey’s a runner, he runs off without looking back and has no sense of danger. It’s really common in Down’s Syndrome children for them to just run off, because of his lack of hearing, he can’t hear cars coming or any danger. This is why having the dog is so important.” Christina, a mum-of-six says the dog will become even more useful as Mikey gets older: “He can reach up and open doors now, so you have to watch him constantly. The dog will be trained to stop him going out, running into the road, and barking to warn me that he’s up to something. He’s getting to the stage where he doesn’t want to hold my hand when we’re out walking, so the dog would be attached to Mikey and can prevent him running into the road.” Service dogs are increasingly popular for families with Down’s Syndrome children in America, but the dog comes at a high price. Christina said: “The company placed an ad with Down’s Syndrome Scotland and I paid £500 just to sign up to the waiting list. The waiting list is currently at five to six years, so I decided we would try and get it ourselves.” The dog arrives on March 9, and Christina and Mikey are challenged with raising over €1500 for the puppy from Ireland, a further €2000 for the dog’s training when it reaches eight months old, and another €2000 when the dog turns a year old. Christina says once the dog comes Mikey is planning on holding his own fund raiser: “Once the puppy arrives we’ve been thinking about doing a sponsored walk so he can take part in it with his new dog.” The money raised goes straight to Service Dogs Europe for training Mikey’s puppy and puppies for other children with Down’s Syndrome.

Mikey, who is home schooled by mum Christina hasn’t picked a name for his new companion yet but hopes when he sees his new pal he’ll be able to choose.

“It’s a companion for him as well, and although it’s a steep cost, Mikey really needs it, so we’re trying to raise the money ourselves and hope people will donate as well.” You can donate to Mikey’s fund for a service dog here: https://www.ifundraise.ie/fundraiser/63347_service-dog-for-mikeyfb.html