Finding Nemo; Kildare county champion for Dogs for the Disabled shares her story

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 44, Nicola Paquin was matched with Nemo to aid in her journey

Nicola Paquin serves as the County Champion for Dogs for the Disabled in Kildare. The charity recently launched an exciting campaign introducing 26 County Champions across Ireland, each dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for its life-changing work.

Since its inception in 2007, Dogs for the Disabled has been transforming the lives of children and adults living with physical disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs free of charge. The programs include Task Dogs for wheelchair users, Mobility Dogs for children with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and Ataxia, and a new Parkinson’s Dog program. These dogs offer practical assistance that enhances independence and fosters social connections for those who need it most.

This is not Nicola’s first charitable endeavour having done a parachute jump to raise awareness  of Parkinson’s disease last year, which she was diagnosed with at age 44.

“Having spent 25 years as a neuro rehabilitation nurse, I knew the importance of seizing every opportunity to maintain mobility and independence. Now, it was my turn to follow that advice,” Nicola explained.

“I discovered a research project by the Dublin Neurological Institute and Dogs for the Disabled, aimed at improving functional mobility in people with Parkinson's through assistance dogs. Despite having no experience with dogs, I applied and was both thrilled and apprehensive when accepted.”

Nicola found Nemo after a few visits to Dogs for the Disabled in Cork where their team match dogs with people and recognise when a dog chooses their new human

“That's how I met Nemo, a black Labrador whose personality uncannily mirrors my own. Practically speaking, Nemo helps loosen my stiff muscles by starting our walks slowly and then picking up the pace. As we find our rhythm, the leg that usually drags begins to move more freely, and we walk in harmony - a little everyday magic,” Nicola said.

“Parkinson’s disease affects people differently but the importance of exercise and a healthy diet needs to be put in the top priority of managing symptoms, having Nemo makes me get out there walking daily and the benefits are simply amazing.”

She added, “Nemo brings more than physical aid; he fills my life with joy and fun. His companionship keeps me motivated and makes me smile daily. I'm profoundly grateful to Jennifer and the entire team at Dogs for the Disabled. Their work transforms lives in ways that go beyond the visible. In finding Nemo, I found not just an assistance dog but a loyal friend who brightens every day.”

As part of Dogs for the Disabled’s current initiative, they are raising funds to renovate a period house on 11 acres near Cork City, which will serve as the new National Training Centre and Headquarters. This facility is essential for expanding their services and training more assistance dogs to meet the growing demand.

A Christmas coffee morning and bake sale will be hosted on Sunday December 1 at 11am in aid of Dogs for the Disabled in Two Mile House GAA club.

You can also donate HERE to help more people like Nicola find their Nemo.