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Marie & 'Cam'"Hello my name is ‘Cam’ (I am the one with the black hair) and I’m Marie’s new partner. She is a paraplegic of 22 years and lived independently until we were teamed up. Marie told me she doesn’t like imposing on other humans, that’s where I come in. I will happily do anything she wants me to do because already she gives me lots of snuggles, belly rubs and even treats. She tells me how important I am and gets me to pick up everything she drops, how can I refuse? I think if I do everything she tells me she might not have as much discomfort from the strain she was getting before I came into her life.
She told me we were going to live in rural Waikato and can go down to the lake EVERYDAY even if it raining – that is if she doesn’t go to those yucky ladies shops. I know I’m handsome because although no one’s allowed to pat me or talk to me I still have ears and can hear what they are saying – oh shucks I must be sooo cute. Debbie my trainer did such a good job of preparing me for my next adventure so thanks Debbie. Its not you it’s me, Sometimes a mans just got to move on. To the ‘team’ that make up Mobility Dogs a big thank you for all the many hours of work that goes on behind the scenes to match me and my doggie mates up with our new partners we acknowledge all you have done to make this possible. " Update from Marie January 2009 How has 'Cam' helped me in the three months we have been together?
Yes there is a huge difference in the lessening of pain in my upper body but unfortunately I have now got back my tennis elbow from using the chucker to throw the ball for ‘Cam’, but I guess it is a small price to pay!
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© Copyright 2008 | Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust | Registered Charitable Trust CC24410 | New Zealand
Firstly it is a compatibility that can only be described as being in a ‘new relationship’. It’s not just me anymore and everything I do is now ‘we’. ‘Cam’ and I go everywhere and do everything together. One thing I wanted when we were teamed together was that the emphasis would be on ‘Cam’, not on the wheelchair, and this has happened. Mind you, upon seeing and meeting ‘Cam’ how could it not? I had a day recently that would normally have had me pulling my hair out but we arrived home and I could still laugh at the end of the day, well sort off. There were a lot of things I could do for myself, and I did, but paid the price with the strain on my upper body. ‘Cam’ now will pick up the things I either drop or are on the floor. His bed is in front of my wardrobe so he will get the shoes I point too, which is quite funny sometimes if he gets the wrong one you hear him growl; you know that politely put, annoyed sound - he has perfected it. This week I bought a reel of irrigation hose and promptly dropped it as I was getting it out of the car and without being told ‘Cam’ just picked it up and carried it until I was able to get hold of it; an absolutely WONDERFUL companion. 