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Raise a Mobility Dog

At Animates we understand the important bond between humans & pets, which is why we are so proud to be partnered with The Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust for our 7th annual Mobility Dogs fundraiser.

From 13th July – 2nd August 2020, all Animates store and Animates Vetcare clinics nationwide will collect donations aiming to raise $50,000 to help fund the training of future Mobility Dogs who transform the lives of New Zealanders with disabilities.

How Mobility Dogs Transform Lives

Mobility Dogs specially train dogs to help disabled New Zealanders with their individual, unique needs. Through practical support, companionship and unconditional love, these dogs truly transform the lives of their partners, who enjoy greater independence and quality of life. 

Each dog is trained to:

  • Retrieve and carry items – such as help load and unload the washing.
  • Deliver items to a person
  • Open and close doors and drawers
  • Press buttons for elevators and pedestrian crossings
  • Help with payments in shops
  • Assist with daily activities such as dressing and undressing
  • Turn lights on and off

Specialised Skills:

In addition, each dog can be trained to suit the unique requirements of their human partner. 

Mobility Dogs can:

  • Put their own food bowls in the sink
  • Help their human partner turn over in bed
  • Tidy away their toys
  • Help strip the bed
  • Some of Mobility Dogs look after other members of the family as well – they’ve been known to help with the laundry and more!!

Learn more about Mobility Dogs here.

Amy & Mary’s Story

Last month we met with the Mobility Dogs spokesperson, Amy Hogan, who has cerebral palsy, and her labradoodle mobility dog Mary, at their beautiful home in Birkenhead. Aside from her work with Mobility Dogs, Amy is a vibrant and passionate researcher and writer for the Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand. With her exuberant bright personality, she enjoys her many hobbies including yoga, gardening and reading, with Mary loyally by her side.

Amy’s decision to form a partnership with a mobility dog was based on two components – for practical and social reasons.
“The first component is the physical sense of independence and security firstly for practical reasons to help with everyday tasks e.g. teaching the dog to pick up the things I dropped in the taxi. The second component centred on the fact that I simply enjoyed animals and dogs in particular and having one who was specifically trained to work with individuals in wheelchairs seems like a dream come true!”

“Living with a mobility dog enhances my life in many ways both small and profound. With Mary, I am able to enter many different situations and circumstances with a greater degree of confidence because I know she is there acting as what I like to say is my living ice-breaker. Mary brings a smile to my face most days and can make the best days even better and the worst days more bearable. In my daily life, living with a long-term disability can be draining. Mary is up for both the active parts of my life (work, going out with friends) and the quiet times (when I’m not feeling well). She greets anything we do as a new adventure."

Donate to Mobility Dogs

To help people like Amy be partnered with wonderful companions and friends like Mary please support Mobility Dogs and donate now.

When vising your local Animates store or Animates Vetcare clinic, you can add a donation to your purchase of either $3, $5 or $10 (or round up your purchase). Donations can also be made online via our Mobility Dogs Givealittle page.

Proud Supporters of Mobility Dogs