Pia, a 28-year-old from Dunedin, lives with Muscular Dystrophy. For years, she navigated life with quiet determination, but everything changed when she met Maple, her Mobility Dog.
“I first heard about Mobility Dogs through the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s magazine,” Pia recalls. “It was a long process—almost three years from my initial application to finally receiving Maple—but when I got the email saying she was mine, I was over the moon!”
That excitement, however, soon turned into an unexpected challenge.
“The first three months were incredibly tough. I had never faced anything like it before,” Pia admits. “I even told my husband, ‘I don’t think I can do this.’ Maple was testing boundaries, figuring me out, and I felt overwhelmed. But then, around the four-month mark, something clicked – we turned a corner, and everything changed.”
With time, patience, and the support of the Mobility Dogs trainers, Pia and Maple have built an unbreakable bond. Today, Maple is more than just a helper; she’s a constant companion and a source of strength.
“Before Maple, my days were a lot quieter. I lacked the confidence to go out as much,” Pia shares. “Now, we have our morning cuddles, go for long walks, and she’s with me wherever I go. If I’m working from home, she’s curled up beside me. If I drop something, she’s there to pick it up. When I travel, I’m no longer anxious because I have Maple by my side.”
Maple has also provided emotional support, offering comfort during tough times. “When my husband lost his job just before Christmas, he said it was so nice to have Maple around – she brought warmth and joy to the house when we needed it most.”
Life with a Mobility Dog isn’t just about assistance – it’s about transformation. “I always thought Maple would be more of a walking assistant, but she’s so much more. She’s my companion, my confidence booster, and my joy.”
Pia is deeply grateful for the generosity of those who help fund Mobility Dogs. “It’s hard to put into words how much having a dog like Maple means. The time, training, and love that go into these dogs is incredible. If you have the means to donate, do it – it changes lives.”
For anyone considering a Mobility Dog, Pia offers this advice: “The first few months are challenging, but the reward is beyond anything you can imagine. I haven’t even had Maple for a year yet, and I can’t picture life without her.”