Our Stories
Jacob & Harley: Life’s better together
In sunny Whakatāne, 22-year-old Jacob lives with his mum and dad, with his sister and brother-in-law right next door - and his loyal companion, Harley. Jacob has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Harley isn’t just any dog; he’s a Mobility Dog who helps Jacob with...
Gracie the Golden Retriever: A lifeline and a light for Michal 💚
When Wellington counsellor Michal Horton first met a therapy dog in hospital, she had no idea that moment would change her life. After a routine heart surgery went terribly wrong, Michal spent weeks in ICU fighting sepsis and multi-organ failure. During her time in...
Mobility Dogs launches national campaign to raise awareness of their life-changing work
Mobility Dogs has launched a nationwide awareness and education campaign to showcase its unique and vital role in supporting people living with disabilities, as well as providing therapeutic and companion dogs across Aotearoa New Zealand. As one of just three...
A chat with Corinna Cooper, Senior Trainer at Mobility Dogs
Ever wondered what it takes to train a Mobility Dog? Or what makes these special pups such life-changing companions? We sat down with Mobility Dogs Senior Trainer, Corinna Cooper, to chat about the journey from puppy to partner – and how these dogs are helping Kiwis...
Still side by side: Linda-Lee and Mr Darby’s life-changing bond
In 2022, we introduced Linda-Lee Odom to her new Mobility Dog, Mr Darby. Three years on, their story is one of transformation, trust and a life-changing impact from their partnership. “Mobility Dogs and their Puppies in Prison Programme, staff, whānau, and family gave...
A Life Transformed: Pia and Maple’s Journey Together
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...
Living Life to the Fullest with Falco: A Journey with My Mobility Dog
In 2000, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a life-altering condition that came with its challenges and uncertainties. My introduction to Mobility Dogs happened through the North Shore MS Society and a friend who had one. Little did I know then how...
12 Years of Unforgettable Adventures with Rusty My Mobility Dog
I met Rusty, my incredible Mobility Dog, a Golden Retriever who would become my constant companion for 12 unforgettable years.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Connections at the ADI Trainers Workshop
Two of our dedicated Mobility Dogs trainers recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the first-ever Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Trainers Workshop hosted in Melbourne by Vision Australia. This historic event brought together ADI members from across Oceania to share insights, collaborate, and enhance the skills necessary to improve the lives of people relying on assistance dogs. The workshop served as a valuable platform for networking, learning, and showcasing the remarkable work being done at Mobility Dogs.
Embracing Life with Wilma: Casey’s Story
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...