Every Kiwi deserves a 'Buddy'

The generosity of Kiwis nationwide means one more New Zealander living with a physical disability will get the assistance they need from a specialised mobility dog.

As part of a recent Animates in-store and online ‘Raise-a-Puppy’ fundraising campaign, New Zealanders donated more than $50,000 to train a Mobility Dog – aptly named “Buddy”. 

In addition to raising the required funds for his training, Kiwis also took part in an online campaign to choose his name.

After training, Buddy will be helping a New Zealander living with a physical disability, who needs help to perform simple daily tasks that most able-bodied Kiwis take for granted.

“We have been blown away by the generosity and support of New Zealanders and their real want to help people in need,” says Nikki Marchant-Ludlow, Animates Services & Welfare Manager.

“It costs around $50,000 and two years, to raise and train at least one new puppy to reach its full potential as a Mobility Dog. This is the start of our ongoing partnership with Mobility Dogs and we are so excited to have already raised enough to get Buddy on board and in the training programme.”

Buddy, like all Mobility Dogs will be trained to assist with tasks such as fetching the phone, taking shoes and socks off, switching lights on and off, and even paying for purchases across the counter. Each dog is trained specifically to meet their partner’s individual needs.

“At Animates, we understand the special bond between people and their pets, and the fact that we can now help at least one New Zealander through supporting the training of future Mobility Dog, Buddy. It goes beyond just assisting with everyday tasks - we can never underestimate the love and companionship a dog provides their partner and vice versa,” concludes Marchant-Ludlow.

Jody Wilson, General Manager Mobility Dogs, is hugely appreciative of the support Kiwis and Animates have given to the not-for-profit organisation.

“Dogs really are a man’s best friend and they help us out in so many ways. Mobility Dogs in particular, provide invaluable support to New Zealanders living with long-term physical disabilities, including muscular dystrophy, stroke, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy,” says Ms Wilson.

“Training a Mobility Dog is a lengthy process and can get expensive quickly which is why every dollar raised is so important to us. We receive no government funding and are entirely dependent on the generosity of New Zealanders which is why  it’s so gratifying that the nation has dug  so deep to help raise funds for such a great cause and to get Buddy into the programme.”

Animates is continuing to raise funds for Mobility Dogs in November and December and customers can go in-store to select a Christmas decoration for $3, $5, or $10 which they can choose to go towards Mobility Dogs as part of the Animates Christmas Giving Tree initiative.