Inking into better, happier lives

Service dogs play an incredible role in helping persons with disabilities and other conditions, including visually impaired persons, to navigate surroundings, avoid obstacles and travel safely. That is the general impression.

In truth, they become part and parcel of their lives, offering love and dedication, loyalty and 24/7 guidance.

Service dogs also retrieve dropped or lost items, open doors, even turn on lights and provide balance and stability. Incredibly still, they can detect oncoming medical issues, including epileptic seizures, panic attacks and low blood sugar.

A Labrador puppy sweetly named Ink (for Inklużjoni) is now in Malta at the service-dog unit that is much to the heart of the Inclusion Ministry. Here, Ink, will receive specialised training in enhanced socialisation before being allocated a welcome partner for a better and happier life together.

Government is actually seeking to further strengthen this unit thanks to a new agreement with the Service Dogs Malta Foundation that will involve a €150,000 investment over the next three years. This translates into more than €50,000 every year between 2027 and 2029 covering the training of three service dogs. This follows an allocation of no less than €156,000 during the last legislature.

The agreement marks the implementation of electoral manifesto Pledge 31, in the first 100 days of the new government. The electoral commitment was to provide funds for the training of service dogs and the attainment of a better quality of life for all those forming a partnership with them. This will undoubtedly lead to a more independent and active living in society.

During the last legislature, we were happy to create a space within the Jake Vella Voluntary Centre at Paola dedicated to the training of service dogs by the Service Dogs Malta Foundation as part of its various noble undertakings.

Ink started undergoing its first socialisation training at Scale Dogs in Belgium during which it was being acclimatised to walking on a leash and being exposed to different ambiences such as restaurants, shops and super-markets, persons, and other animals. Ink was also introduced to the use of different means of transport, including air travel.

Thanks to Service Dogs Malta Foundation’s membership of Assistance Dogs International and the European Breeding Cooperative, Ink has also undergone strict medical examinations. On arrival in Malta, it will go straight into a welcoming family to proceed with the socialisation process until it finally meets the person in need of its assistance.

The agreement and Ink’s eventual integration with Maltese life, Maltese society and the Maltese family spirit is yet another example of the Labour government’s proven adherence to its electoral promises—concrete measures that make a positive difference in the lives of many people.

The service dog investment will provide freedom and autonomy to individuals, who need help because of disabilities and related conditions. Ink and his fellow service dogs will see to that.