Planes, Pumps and Puppies: Fiona’s Story and EOPD Ireland’s Support for a Parkinson’s Assistance Dog
We are delighted to announce that our recent Community Grant has been allocated towards supporting the training of a Parkinson’s assistance dog in partnership with Disabled Dogs Ireland.
At EOPD Ireland, we know that practical supports can transform quality of life. Assistance dogs trained specifically to support people living with Parkinson’s provide greater independence, confidence and security, while also raising public awareness and understanding of the condition.
Our Board Member Fiona understands this impact first-hand. Disabled Dogs Ireland trained her own Parkinson’s assistance dog, Norman, who has become an essential part of her daily life. Fiona recently shared her experience of travelling abroad with Norman while also managing her Produodopa pump — a journey that highlights both the challenges and the empowerment that can come with the right supports in place.
Planes, Pumps and Puppies
Norman has been a very well-travelled dog since he came into our lives as an assistance dog over three years ago. He has travelled in cars, buses, delivery vans, trains, boats, ferries and even the cable car to Dursey Island.
All that was left was an aeroplane. So, two weeks ago, we set off into the unknown, unsure of what lay ahead. Would he understand what was happening if his ears started to pop? Is there an equivalent to “sucky sweets” in the canine world? And more importantly, what if he needed to go to the bathroom?
There was no need to worry. Norman was a star.
He sat between John and me, checked in every now and then, and then went back to sleep. The staff at Ryanair were excellent on both flights.
As we were travelling with an assistance dog and a medical device, there was mandatory paperwork involved. I have included some links below that may be helpful. When booking flights, use the assistance option where you can arrange mobility assistance and register assistance animals:
https://help.ryanair.com/hc/en-ie/sections/12489453221905-Booking-Special-Assistance
Tenerife Airport is very busy and has a high number of passengers using assistance services. It is best to arrive early for your flight, as it can take time to process everyone. However, you do not have to stand in the queue for long periods.
I use the Produodopa pump in addition to other Parkinson’s medications. This requires documentation and waivers. The liquid medication needs to be refrigerated or kept in a cool box. You will need letters from your doctor and should keep prescriptions and medications in their original boxes. Ryanair can provide a waiver letter allowing you to carry medications and medical appliances on board up to 5 kg.
The European Parkinson’s Passport is also a useful addition to your travel documents. The Parkinson’s Passport provides essential medical information and helps others understand what people with Parkinson’s may need outside their usual environment, such as in airports, hotels and other public places.
- The passport includes:
- General information about Parkinson’s
- Space to detail Parkinson’s-related issues that may make travel more challenging
- Space to include emergency contacts and details of any devices or implants you may carry or wear
- Space to outline medication requirements and details of any clinical trials you are participating in
- Advice on accessibility and support, including guidance on carrying medication and how Deep Brain Stimulation devices can affect airport screening
- Advice on how to assist someone with Parkinson’s in a medical emergency
The Sunflower Lanyard is also helpful. It discreetly indicates that you have an invisible disability and may require assistance:
https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.freshdesk.com/en/support/home
Applying online is the quickest way to apply for an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card):
http://www.myehic.ie/
You can then store your EHIC on the HSE Health App:
https://www2.hse.ie/ga/health-app/
And of course, we cannot forget Norman’s very own passport!
After all the paperwork, I was ready for a holiday. With temperatures between 20 and 22 degrees, it was easy to incorporate more walks and swims into each day. We have not matched our step count since returning home, so now I just need to put on a jacket and put one foot in front of the other.
We travelled with friends on a diving trip, which gave us a great sense of security and support. Los Cristianos was ideal, with a long promenade and plenty of seating if you needed to take a break and watch the world go by. People were helpful and welcoming, although there seemed to be less awareness of assistance animals than here in Ireland.
Norman met many new admirers. Walking along the promenade and through the airport, we often heard people say, “There’s Norman.”
Having Norman with me gave me the confidence to explore and enjoy new sights and sounds. We are now looking forward to many more adventures together!