Mobility Dog Newton

My name is Therese Boon and I have Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), a rare degenerative condition causing nervous system damage, heart defects, mobility and fine motor skill problems. I am the fourth of five children I have two brothers and two sisters and a pair of wonderful parents. My two brothers also have FA. Most people use a wheelchair about ten years after diagnosis as there is no cure for FA. In spite of this I have enjoyed life as a student then BA graduate of Victoria University and now work part-time as an office administrator. I try to keep fit and go to the gym in order to prolong my physical abilities. I like my independence and flat with two friends and I love to drive my car which has hand controls.

My condition is a progressive one and it has become harder and harder to get around and do everyday things. I do try to look for adaptive ways to overcome adversity and I can walk very short distances though I have difficulty with balance and often fall over. Last year I heard about the mobility dog program and immediately thought how wonderful it would be to have a dog that would assist me to stay mobile for as long as possible. Not only that, it would also help with day-to-day activities, simple things like picking things up which I find difficult. He would help boost my confidence and be a friendly comfort when things are hard.

I have been matched with Newton, a gorgeous black Labrador Mobility Dog from Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust. This is definitely one of the most exciting things that has ever happened to me. The Trust is responsible for all the funds for raising and training my dog, but I need your help for the specialised team training at the end of the year where I spend 10 days learning how to manage Newton and he learns how to manage me. I have to raise $6,000 which will pay for my training camp in Auckland organised and run by the Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust. This would mean so much to me if you would consider helping me achieve my goal.

All donations over this amount will go to the ongoing costs of the dog, such as his insurance.

Dear all donors,

I am very touched that so many people have generously funded Newton and I. Within 36 hours of putting the givealittle page up, I had already surpassed my goal. It just crazy to see people that I know (and many that I don't) from different parts of my life be so enthusiastic with their support. Newton and I are incredibly appreciative of you all so much that I could only adequately express myself in a poem.

To many this year was not good at all,

Like Brexit, Trump with his daft border wall,

And global earthquakes create such a fuss,

It seems a dark cloud hangs just above us.

But inspect it closely and you will see

The silvery outline so clear to me,

It's made of dogs, hope, generosity,

It reaffirms faith in humanity.

It is hard to show you with just my rhyme,

Since you funded in hardly any time,

The love and appreciation that I feel

Blooms so immense in my heart it's surreal.

Thank you so much for all of the backing,

So Newton and I can now get cracking,

Work hard, play hard and develop a bond,

The pair you help'd make, black lab and the blonde.