Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 10, 2011 19:58:04 GMT 12
Dogs Make A Diference
Rani Timoti
Last updated 05:00 10/02/2011
A naval squadron at the RNZAF base Auckland in Whenuapai is helping make a difference for people with severe epilepsy.
Lieutenant Andy Dowling and his wife Claire fostered a labrador for the New Zealand Epilepsy Assist Dogs Trust.
For nearly a year Marty has been a regular visitor and mascot to Squadron 6.
Staff also held a raffle to raise $300 for the trust which says dogs can help people with severe epilepsy lead safer and more independent lives.
The main prize in the raffle was a flight in a 1945 de Havilland aircraft.
Marty has since gone to live in Nelson to help a young man who has had epilepsy since he was four years old.
He has given his new companion confidence to live independently and for the first time, attend a work function by himself.
"He was so easy to look after but we keep in touch with the family who have got him now," says Andy, who is on exchange from the British Royal Navy with the squadron which flies Sea Sprite helicopters.
Claire now also helps walk another dog for the trust.
Squadron commanding officer James Tayler says Marty was popular at their social functions. "You'd be there having a meal and feel something at your feet."
One of the trust's founders, Andrea Hawkless of Kumeu, says it's quite a process to apply to the trust because you have to show there's a real need and the dog must have a good living environment.
A successful applicant is Erica Tiedemann of Taupaki who says she is also "in training" with her new friend Casper. He provides comfort for herself and her family.
"They let me out without stressing. I've been able to catch public transport and go for walks. It makes everyone around understand me."
Erica says Casper gets a very protective look on his face whenever she is about to have a seizure.
"It takes away the fact they're all alone and people look at the dog rather than them," Andrea says.
The dogs become aware of impending seizures and alert their owner, she says.
"We can train them to do anything that's necessary. We train them to get the telephone and fetch a towel."
Registered epilepsy assist dogs have the legal status of working dogs, giving them access to public places and transport. New Zealand is only one of three countries in the world where the service is available.
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/nor-west-news/4637310/Dogs-make-a-difference
Rani Timoti
Last updated 05:00 10/02/2011
A naval squadron at the RNZAF base Auckland in Whenuapai is helping make a difference for people with severe epilepsy.
Lieutenant Andy Dowling and his wife Claire fostered a labrador for the New Zealand Epilepsy Assist Dogs Trust.
For nearly a year Marty has been a regular visitor and mascot to Squadron 6.
Staff also held a raffle to raise $300 for the trust which says dogs can help people with severe epilepsy lead safer and more independent lives.
The main prize in the raffle was a flight in a 1945 de Havilland aircraft.
Marty has since gone to live in Nelson to help a young man who has had epilepsy since he was four years old.
He has given his new companion confidence to live independently and for the first time, attend a work function by himself.
"He was so easy to look after but we keep in touch with the family who have got him now," says Andy, who is on exchange from the British Royal Navy with the squadron which flies Sea Sprite helicopters.
Claire now also helps walk another dog for the trust.
Squadron commanding officer James Tayler says Marty was popular at their social functions. "You'd be there having a meal and feel something at your feet."
One of the trust's founders, Andrea Hawkless of Kumeu, says it's quite a process to apply to the trust because you have to show there's a real need and the dog must have a good living environment.
A successful applicant is Erica Tiedemann of Taupaki who says she is also "in training" with her new friend Casper. He provides comfort for herself and her family.
"They let me out without stressing. I've been able to catch public transport and go for walks. It makes everyone around understand me."
Erica says Casper gets a very protective look on his face whenever she is about to have a seizure.
"It takes away the fact they're all alone and people look at the dog rather than them," Andrea says.
The dogs become aware of impending seizures and alert their owner, she says.
"We can train them to do anything that's necessary. We train them to get the telephone and fetch a towel."
Registered epilepsy assist dogs have the legal status of working dogs, giving them access to public places and transport. New Zealand is only one of three countries in the world where the service is available.
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/nor-west-news/4637310/Dogs-make-a-difference
