Against All Odds

Tim became a quadriplegic at age 18 but achieved his dreams, with his Assistance Dogs by his side.

Will you please help us train more Assistance Dogs who will open up the world to someone living with a disability?

When Tim was 18, he became quadriplegic in a diving accident. He would never walk again.

His parents put their jobs on hold because Tim needed round-the-clock care.

But then Tim’s first Assistance Dog, Buster, gave him the physical and emotional support he needed to get his life back on track.

Buster would help open doors, turn on lights, pick up things off the floor, and he would help Tim go grocery shopping as an independent adult.

With Buster by his side, Tim got his life back on track. He did everything from building his career in the performing arts, to catching up with friends at the pub.

Buster helped Tim feel more like his old self again, which restored a sense of confidence and dignity. Bit by bit, Tim’s life got back on track.

Getting Ready In the Morning

Public Access Rights

“I’ll get it for you!”

Casper helps make mornings run smoother. Casper can close drawers by bumping them with his nose. A dog’s nose is super sensitive, which is a testament to training because Assistance Dogs enjoy doing this skill.

Assistance Dogs have the right to go nearly everywhere (except for sterile environments). Dogs like Casper are toilet-trained, and trained to sit quietly for long periods of time until they are needed.

Tim lost a lot of hand function, so he is constantly dropping things. Casper’s main job is to pick up items – especially tricky ones like mobile phones – without damaging them. He does it correctly and with care. 

Tim’s first Assistance Dog, Buster, retired due to old age after ten years of working.

With enough forward planning, Tim was able to receive his second Assistance Dog, Roxy, straight away.

Tim said:

“Roxy was a part of some really big moments in my life from meeting my wife and getting married to living overseas for two years.

I wouldn’t have been able to live in another country without Roxy and her ability to help me physically.”

But after eight glorious years together, tragedy struck.

Roxy was diagnosed with liver cancer, and she passed away.

Tim mourned Roxy so deeply that he couldn’t bear to accept another Assistance Dog for a few months.

But no mobility aid gave him the same safety and self-reliance that his Assistance Dogs did.

Without an Assistance Dog, Tim found it harder and harder to go about his daily life.

And so Casper, a handsome yellow Labrador, came into his life, just after his son Nelson was born.

Tim says, 

“My three Assistance Dogs, Buster, Roxy, and Casper, helped me continue on to live the life that I was meant to live.”

Sadly, these miracle-working Assistance Dogs don’t live as long as humans do.

And on top of losing their best friend, people mourning their Assistance Dogs are also scared of losing their independence and lifeline too.

Please donate today so we can train more Assistance Dogs for people living with a disability.