Five assistance dogs graduate at ceremony held at San Anton Palace

Five assistance dogs have successfully completed their training and preparation programme, enabling them to assist persons with different conditions in their daily lives.

Following the completion of the required training, Balto, Dom, Sam, Pablo, and Kaydi graduated during a ceremony organised by Service Dogs Malta Foundation, which was held at San Anton Palace under the patronage of the Office of the President of Malta.

The training of each dog costs approximately €15,000; however, the voluntary organisation covers all acquisition and training expenses and provides the dogs free of charge to the beneficiaries.

Balto and Kaydi will now be assigned to persons with mobility difficulties, Dom has been trained to assist a person with diabetes, while Pablo will serve as an assistance dog for a person with a psychiatric condition.

The training of Sam, a Labrador retriever, was made possible through a €15,000 investment by the Government of Malta. Sam will now be assigned to a seven-year-old girl on the autism spectrum, to offer her continuous support in daily life.

Sam was specially trained to address her specific needs by providing safety, emotional stability, and practical support in everyday situations, both at home and in the community. Through this, he will offer the child the inclusion and autonomy she needs to live a more independent life.

In her address during the graduation ceremony, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono praised the work of the Foundation and its volunteers for the hope and comfort they provide to individuals and families who depend on these assistance dogs.

The President described the graduation of these five dogs as a new beginning for those who will rely on them in their daily lives, and as evidence that dedication, patience, and commitment can change people’s lives for the better.

Joseph Stafrace, founder and Operations Manager of the Service Dogs Malta Foundation, explained that the graduation of assistance dogs forms part of a wider programme of intensive and specialised training.

He spoke about the pride, emotion, and unforgettable moments of the journey leading to graduation, describing the handover of the dogs to their beneficiaries as a celebration of years of dedication and commitment by a group of devoted individuals.

During the ceremony, the Archbishop of Malta, Charles J. Scicluna, blessed the dogs as well as the individuals and families who will benefit from them.

In his message, the Archbishop described the occasion as a celebration of harmony between human beings and creation. He also highlighted the efforts of the trainers who prepared these dogs for service, and noted that, with their help, five individuals will gain greater autonomy, thereby improving their quality of life.

The Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, stressed that the Government’s investment in this training programme is further proof of its commitment to measures that directly improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

“This graduation shows how, through collaboration with voluntary organisations, we can create real and tangible change in people’s lives, particularly for persons on the autism spectrum and their families,” the Minister concluded.

The Shadow Minister for Inclusion and Consumer Rights, Graziella Galea, described the graduation ceremony as “a celebration of a more independent and autonomous life for the five persons who will benefit from these dogs.”

At the end of the ceremony, the Service Dogs Malta Foundation also launched the song Dejjem Tieghek, with lyrics by Rita Pace and performed by mezzo-soprano Vanessa Vassallo.

The song tells the story of the unique and special bond between assistance dogs and their owners, built on trust, loyalty, and unconditional love.

Those who wish to obtain more information may send a message through the Service Dogs Malta Foundation Facebook page or contact Joseph Stafrace on 79617814.

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