Students supporting assistance dogs

An organisation which provides specially trained assistance dogs to enrich the lives of adults and children with multiple disabilities is being sponsored by Tauranga's newest school.

Students at ACG Tauranga have chosen Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust – a charity new to the area – as its recipient charity, and will provide ongoing commitment to support it.


ACG Tauranga Chris Cottell-Mayhew and students with puppies from Assistance Dogs New Zealand.

A new litter of puppies is the first of the trust's to be raised in Tauranga, and the area's first assistance dog will soon be placed.

The dogs are specially trained to enrich the lives of adults and children with disabilities as diverse as autism, diabetes or cerebral palsy.

ACG Tauranga Principal Chris Cottell-Mayhew says working with the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust is a great opportunity for students to learn about giving back.

'Service to others is extremely important to us as a school. We want our students to understand that it's important to be part of the community, and to help others,” says Chris.

'The best way to do that is to find something we are passionate about. Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust does a really important job in the community to help people who need it.

'It's fitting that we are a new school, and the trust is a new charity to the area.”

The school kicked off its fundraising with an Easter raffle, which raised more than $700, and has plans for more events throughout the year.

The student council and parents' association will both be involved in raising money.

A barometer on the wall will record the school's donations – with a goal each year to better the previous year's total, says Chris.

Assistance Dogs New Zealand's Wendy Isaacs says the trust is delighted to be involved with the school and was thrilled to take four puppies from the latest litter to meet the students.

'We want this relationship to be a journey for everyone, and meeting the puppies helps the students connect with what we do at the Trust,” says Wendy.

'It was great to explain to the students how their support will help other children who are just like them, but need a bit of extra help. Having an assistance puppy can really break down barriers.”

The dogs are specially trained to enrich the lives of people with a range of disabilities. The trust evaluates each applicant individually, and provides assessment, training and follow-up to meet each individual's specific needs.

The trust also specially trains assistance dogs for children, and people with multiple disabilities – the only organisation to do so.

'The dogs are trained to promote independent living, mobility, safety and companionship,” says Wendy.

'The process of raising a puppy – dog food, vaccinations, flea treatments and vet visits, as well as the training – is highly expensive. Having ACG Tauranga on board as an ongoing sponsor will really help us to help more people.”

The trust invited the school to name two of the pups – with Bindi and Molly the winning names chosen by students.

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