More 'M' puppies move south

Welcome Maya and Meg

In mid-February siblings Maya and Meg arrived in the Southern Lakes District and into the waiting arms of puppy-raisers, Kim and David Wright and June and Eric Simpson. The Wrights are third-time raisers and the Simpsons are second-time raisers.  Maya and Meg, being neighbours, enjoy romps in their raisers’ spacious gardens and have training sessions together twice a week with their raisers in Arrowtown town centre followed by a cuppa while tired pups lie quietly under the table.

Maya & Meg meet their puppy-raisers

Maya & Meg meet Mobility Dogs' colleagues Fleur, Ice & Merlin

Cruising Along

The puppy meeting/socialisation in March was a special treat for Merlin, Fleur, Maya and Meg and their raisers as all boarded the ‘Million Dollar’ luxury motor launch for a cruise on Lake Wakatipu.  Meg and Maya joined the captain in the wheelhouse.  A big thanks to co-owner, Betty, for the complimentary cruise.   

Maya & Meg at the helm of the Mililion Dollar

Maya & Meg on deck cruising Lake Wakatipu with Fleur & Merlin

Pups on Parade

Once again dogs and handlers proudly strutted their stuff at the Autumn Festival Parade in Arrowtown at the end of April.  It was an impressive Mobility Dogs presence as four perfectly behaved (well…almost) dogs trotted the parade route in their new jackets with their handlers, colour-coordinated in black and red.  

Fleur demos at a Conference

Grant was invited to make several round table presentations about Mobility Dogs at The New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres National Conference in Queenstown recently.  Ambasssadog Fleur demonstrated several tasks required of Mobility Dogs. There was enthusiastic interest shown and numerous questions.  

  
Fleur 'up counter' 

Follow-up with Paul and Rusty

As part of the follow-up process with our Mobility Dog team, Grant stopped by to visit Paul Ereckson and Rusty at Paul’s office in Invercargill; the team is going strong. It was also a good opportunity for Rusty and Merlin to have a romp together in the nearby Queens Park.

Leigh and Ice Placement

At the end of March Grant travelled to Christchurch to place Ice with Leigh Montford.  This was a wonderful two weeks of learning and discovery for all concerned.  Ice adapted well to his new home as well as the several carers who help Leigh on a daily basis.  She was a bit nervous about the public access test but passed with flying colours.

All eyes on the ball thrower

Ice looks forward to his next game of ball while out shopping?

Follow-up with Leigh and Ice

Six weeks after the placement Grant, Judy, Merlin and Fleur visited Leigh and Ice to iron out a few glitches and to do a controlled visit to the beach. Sumner has a wheelchair friendly carpet runner across the sand to allow access to the centre of the beach.  Leigh was able to watch Ice as he played off leash with the other dogs.  He came back straight away as Leigh practised her whistle recall.

Rodney, Leigh & Ice on Sumner Beach

Ice off to romp with Merlin, who is doing his best to dig back to Arrowtown

Interviewing Applicants

While in Christchurch, Grant and Judy visited two recent applicants.  This was a good opportunity for the applicants to interact with Ambassadog Fleur and watch as she demonstrated some of the helpful tasks.

We close this journal entry with best wishes for a safe winter filled with warm, puppy cuddles.

Maya & Meg under the watchful eye of Merlin at Walter Peak Station

Back in jackets for the voyage home on the the Earnslaw

Judy and Grant Reid, SLD Puppy Club Leaders/Raisers
Puppy Development Liaison
Arrowtown, Southern Lakes District
New Zealand

Judy & Fleur and Grant & Merllin