Thanking everyone again for your generous support! It was Marcel's 22nd birthday this week and we took him to meet a puppy and of course it was love at first sight! Puppy will be coming home today and be Marcel's constant companion . It has big boots to fill as they embark on the journey together to train as a certified mobility/ assistance dog.
John MacLachlan kindly brought Riley his awesome Retrodoodle to visit Marcel! He made a great impression with his friendly loyal face and impeccable manners despite being teased relentlessly by our cat who should be nicknamed "brave " !
Sophie did a great interview and used footage from Marcel's GoPro helmet camera of their snowboarding at Turoa.
http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/paraplegic-snowboarder-recalls-ruapehu-fall-2014121416#axzz3LqbleE2c
The lovely sales person , Kaye at Harvey Norman spoke to management and got a great deal for Marcel. Basically a luxury tempur pressure relieving bed with dual head and foot raisers in a super king for the price of a single bed pretty much! She also gave us some good discounts on the bed linen he will need. It wasn't so scary handing over the debit card to pay for this luxury package knowing there are funds available to help Marcel. A huge thankyou, this bed will help Marcel to relieve pressure and avoid bed sores , get up easily and raise his feet when he needs to relieve swelling in his ankles.. it will be invaluable!
Coco the lovely lagotto has had her puppies .. Four healthy pups ! She's being a protective mum and hasn't brought them out of her crate yet , hence the dark photo!
Marcel is home now after 8 weeks of intense rehabilitation at the spinal unit :) he's so happy to be home with his family and Becky , and catching up with friends and neighbors! I know Marcel has been blown away by the kindness of everyone who has donated and offered their encouragement.
Feeling so excited as dreams become a reality ! Lagotto first time breeders are anxiously waiting for Cocoa to deliver her first litter of puppies due 10th December ! They thought she was carrying only 2 or 3 but a recent scan showed 5 puppies ! Hoping one of them might be suitable but we may need to look at other breeds as lagotto's, although smart enough and known to be exceedingly loyal , may not be tall enough for door opening duties :)
So humbled and overwhelmed with the response from our wonderful community and friends we haven't met yet. Marcel will be able to buy the bed he desperately wants with an electronic head raiser to make life easier. These beds cost anything up to $15,000 but will be invaluable for Marcel's comfort. love and gratitude xx
