Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust
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Mission Statement
Our primary objective is “to enhance the lives of people living with long-term disabilities by providing mobility dogs to increase independence, confidence, self-esteem and participation in New Zealand communities.”
About This Cause
Our Trust was founded in 2003 and our primary objective is “to enhance the lives of people living with long-term disabilities by providing mobility dogs to increase independence, confidence, self-esteem and participation in New Zealand communities.” We achieve this goal through the following initiatives: undertaking the training of Mobility Assistance Dogs; providing Mobility Dogs to people living with disabilities and instructing them in the skills required to work with a Mobility Dog; and being advocates for the disabled community. Along with a small dedicated staff we are supported by volunteers who help with puppy raising, walking and fundraising. We are also grateful for the support of local community members and businesses throughout NZ who welcome our puppies in training. The Specialist Tasks of a Mobility Dog Our everyday work is focused on partnering highly-skilled Mobility Dogs with individuals living with disabilities including, but not exclusive to, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal injury, stroke, and Parkinson’s. Mobility Dogs are trained in a range of specialist tasks such as: • Fetching the phone • Retrieving dropped items • Opening doors • Pressing lift buttons • Paying for purchases across a counter • Taking shoes and socks off • Switching lights on and off • Loading and unloading washing machines and dryers The Psychosocial Benefits of a Mobility Dog The role a Mobility Dog plays in the social and community life of an individual is profoundly important. Research has shown that equally as important as the specialist tasks, is the psychosocial benefits. The psychosocial benefits of a Mobility Dog that impact on quality of life include: • Protector • Caregiver • Icebreaker • Empowerer • Motivator • Entertainer Each year we see an increase in the number of applications for Mobility Dogs from individuals living with disabilities; or their supporters, physical therapists or families. Our skilled Canine Team oversee initial training of our dogs by our dedicated group of puppy raisers and walkers, and also by the prisoners of Auckland Women’s and Spring Hill Men’s Corrections Facilities via our Puppies in Prison Programme. Puppies in Prison In July 2008 Mobility Dogs and the Department of Corrections launched New Zealand’s first ‘Puppies in Prisons’ programme. There are currently 30 Mobility Dogs in training between the ages of 8 weeks and 14 months. The partnership between the Department of Corrections and Mobility Dogs goes a long way to provide highly trained Mobility Dogs to meet the growing demand from New Zealand’s disabled community. (No funding is provided by Department of Corrections for the programme)