In 2011 I met my new Mobility Assistance dog – Rusty – a lovely Golden Retriever aged 4. This began a journey of discovery, travels and companionship that lasted 12 years.
My name is Paul Ereckson, and I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I use a wheelchair for mobility. Rusty’s role was to pick things up (pens, paper etc), help taking of socks and clothing, closing doors, paying at shop counter, pressing buttons and so on. But primarily he made sure that I got out and about. He had to be looked after – taken for walks, toilet stops and brushed. He was the ultimate companion/friend. We were together 24/7.
He also was a natural at meeting people which in turn meant that I got to make a lot of connections. Particularly when we travelled throughout the country, people would come up to ask about him.
When Rusty came into my life, I was Service Manager at Barnardos Invercargill, an organisation providing Social Services to children and families. Rusty was a natural at calming situations down and he was a draw card for anxious children who would, at times, sit with him and share their worries.
Rusty passed away aged 14 years old having led a very full life and I have no doubt that taking care of him had a positive influence on managing my MS – he kept me active.
I am truly grateful for the time I had with Rusty and for the incredible guidance and support from the Mobility Dogs team whenever I needed it.
Having a Mobility Dog is truly a life-changing and therapeutic experience, and I’m thrilled to now be partnered with Annie—a beautiful Golden Labrador Retriever. I can’t wait to see what incredible adventures lie ahead for us! 