29 October saw 3 presenting guests from ‘Mobility Dogs’ - Grant Reid (the Southern Lakes District Coordinator) and Nikki Hay, and her daughter Georgia, who train dogs to assist disabled people with their individual needs.
‘Mobility Dogs’ is a Charitable Trust whose primary objective to enhance the lives of people living with long-term disabilities by providing them with mobility dogs to increase their independence, confidence, self-esteem and participation in New Zealand communities. Through practical support, companionship and unconditional love, the trained dogs transform the lives of their partners who enjoy greater independence and quality of life as a result.
Grant had Baxter with him, the dog that he is currently training, and Georgia had Stanley, the dog that she and her mother are training. They both demonstrated some of the training and acquired skills involved. There is one working dog at this time in the Queenstown area and a new placement to a child is to be made shortly.
Training involved is a substantial commitment for those involved, and a substantial cost to complete - about $50,000. However, the cost to individual beneficiaries is $5,000, this being reduced depending on their circumstances.
Those interested in supporting, or otherwise being involved with this trust, should contact Grant Reid on grant.reid@mobilitydogs.co.nz