Six years ago, at just 17, Casey Calder found himself paralysed from the chest down following a car accident.
Fast forward to May 2023, and Casey’s life took a unexpected turn when he was paired with Wilma, a golden Labrador from Mobility Dogs. Wilma swiftly became the beacon of light Casey hadn’t realised was missing, bringing a remarkable change to his world.
Initially uncertain about the impact Wilma might have on his relationships, Casey was pleasantly surprised. His friends and family have wholeheartedly embraced the profound bond between him and Wilma. Unexpectedly, having Wilma has even sparked increased connections with other family members who also own dogs, fostering lots of puppy playdates and shared walks.
For Casey, venturing into public spaces had been a challenge, weighed down by anxiety and the discomfort of being the focus of stares due to his wheelchair. Enter Wilma, offering a positive distraction that significantly alleviates his anxiety. With Wilma by his side, the shift in attention from him to his canine companion has been a welcome change.
However, for someone who prefers solitude, the downside of Wilma’s presence is the newfound attention from people eager to engage and shower affection on Wilma, occasionally encroaching on Casey’s desired privacy.
Despite this, Wilma’s invaluable assistance shines through. Simple tasks like retrieving dropped items, once a source of worry and inconvenience for Casey, have become manageable and less anxiety-inducing, thanks to Wilma’s ability to lend a helping hand.
“Wilma has impacted my life in only positive ways, giving me purpose of responsibility, love, joy and happiness, I didn’t know existed prior.”
As Casey reminisces about his experiences with Wilma, one standout moment that remains etched in his memory is their first swimming escapade. The sheer delight he felt witnessing Wilam revel in the water bought him immense joy. Observing her unrestrained happiness during free runs and playful interactions with other dogs is a constant source of delight for him.
But beyond these moments, Casey treasures Wilma for her remarkable ability to bring laughter into his life, even when he least expects it.
When asked about Wilma’s personality, Casey paints a vivid picture: she’s a perpetually cheerful soul, always eager to help and ever-curious about her surroundings. Her zest for life shines through in her favourite pastimes: playing, swimming and indulging at meal times.
When Casey was asked about the significance of Wilma is his life, his heartfelt response was simple yet profound: “She gives me life and purpose.”
In expressing his gratitude to all the generous donors and supporters of Mobility Dogs, Casey’s message resonates with heartfelt appreciation: “All I have to say is thank you. Your support means a lot and it goes further than people even realise. Thank you.”