These are the working dogs of Cyprus

In August, a young woman went shoe shopping in Nicosia.

This was a big deal for her – an epilepsy sufferer, she found it hard to live a life most of us consider normal. Going to the cinema, a café, or even the bank had always been a challenge. But now, with a trained assistance dog by her side, her world had opened up. And, for the first time she was going to do what the rest of us take for granted…

“She was turned away at the door,” says Maria-Christina Patala. “Her assistance dog was refused entry, even when she showed the relevant certificates, cited EU law. And without her dog by her side, even shoe shopping became dangerous. Instead, she was cold-heartedly told to go shop for shoes online.”

This is hardly the first story of this kind you’ve heard, is it? And it certainly won’t be the last.

In fact, says Maria-Christina, such incidents happen every day in Cyprus. And nothing will change unless we, the people, make it happen…

A certified assistance dog trainer – the only one in Cyprus – 55-year-old Maria-Christina is heartbroken by much of Cyprus’ behaviour towards animals. But what’s particularly shocking, she suggests, is the manner in which assistance dogs are treated…

These dogs are not simply much-loved pets or family friends. They are absolutely vital to the survival of their owner (known as a handler), providing not only physical assistance but also a sense of independence and security that may be otherwise unattainable.

“When we turn away those who need assistance dogs from restaurants or cafés, from shops and banks, what we’re saying is you’re children of a lesser god,” Maria-Christina suggests. “It’s bullying, plain and simple. And to be honest, this doesn’t happen nearly as much in most other European countries.”

Maria-Christina raises an important point. According to the European Commission, any discrimination based on any grounds including disability is prohibited.

“But how often are the laws actually enforced?” she asks. “Look at wheelchair access – the legislation is in place. But even establishments that have installed ramps have often made them so steep or rough that any wheelchair user needs help to ascend!”

As for assistance dogs? “Cyprus is drastically behind the times,” says Maria-Christina. “These are not simply therapy dogs or support animals. Assistance dogs are highly trained to help those with visible or invisible disabilities perform essential tasks.”

Assistance dogs are taught how to navigate complex environments, respond to medical emergencies, recognise oncoming seizures, and retrieve important items. They may be trained to open doors and drawers, to alert their handlers to important sounds, to interrupt and distract during episodes of PTSD, or to assist with mobility and balance.

In short, they are a lifeline. And training these animals, says Maria-Christina, is a vocation.

“It takes between 18 months and two years to properly train an assistance dog. We work closely with Cyprus’ shelters to choose young animals with the right temperament, consistently checking for underlying health problems that might impair the dog’s ability to assist.

“We also ensure the owner knows their responsibility to the dog: this is not a pet. It is a working animal. Yes, it loves its job, but it is still a working animal: it must have free time; it must be looked after with regular vet visits and professional grooming; it must go out at least two times a day. And, above all, it must be able to enjoy its life.”

Assistance dogs are trained to be perfect, she adds. “This is obedience at a different level. Such dogs will lie quietly between their handler’s feet in public, ignoring any distractions. They will even go to the bathroom on command.”

But this training is a lengthy process. And, given the lack of understanding in Cyprus, it’s a bit of a vicious circle, says Maria-Christina.

“We start by training the dog in the home or at the dog school. Slowly, we introduce it to public areas, teaching it what to do around people and crowds.  

“Jumbo allows us to do this, so do Leroy Merlin, SuperHome Centre, and the Smart supermarket in Tseri. These are all places that understand the importance of assistance dogs – they have clear guidelines for all their employees, and are extremely helpful.”

On the Assistance Dogs Cyprus page there’s a video of one of the dogs walking through Jumbo, completely disregarding crowds, noise and even food!

“You could drop a sausage on an assistance dog’s nose and it would not even sniff without permission from its handler!” says Maria-Christina. “That’s how well-trained they are. But the catch-22 is that, without more places allowing us to train these dogs, we move slowly. And every day, the waiting list for those who are desperately in need of an assistance dog grows…”

Once a dog is fully trained, it must achieve official certification, completing internationally standardised tests before the animal can be released to its handler.

But, says Maria-Christina, that’s when the problems really begin.

“Because no matter what the law says, every day in Cyprus assistance dogs are turned away from establishments.

“Last month, one of our handlers with mobility issues was refused entry to a bank because of her assistance dog. There have been cases where people were not allowed to board buses, swim in the sea, go to church.

“I know a blind dog trainer from Israel who wanted to spend a week in Paphos last year with his assistance dog,” she reveals. “But no hotel would consider this until he approached the Almyra. There, they not only understood the law, they treated his dog with great respect, bringing it water when he was in the restaurant, doing everything they could to help.

“We need more of this in Cyprus,” she concludes. “We need more people who understand that assistance dogs are not pets – they are a lifeline. And that to discriminate against these dogs means you’re discriminating against those with recognised, documented disabilities.

“Would you deny a wheelchair-user access to a shoe shop? I don’t think so.”

Assistance dogs can be recognised by clear signage on their harnesses.

WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP

Embrace and Support: If you see a guide dog or assistance dog, understand the effort it took for the person and their dog to be there. Offer support, not complaints.

Do Not Distract: Do not try to pet the dog – it is working. Assistance dogs are trained to ignore such efforts.

Raise Awareness: Talk to others about the importance and role of assistance dogs. Spread the word.

Advocate for Legislation: Pressure authorities to pass laws allowing assistance and guide dogs to accompany their handlers everywhere.

Write to Officials: Contact your mayor, mukhtar, or any relevant authority. Every email helps.