If you are interested in donating directly to a family that is currently raising money towards an assistance dog individually trained for the recipients needs please visit
http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/SimonParkin/
On behalf of this family and Assistance Dogs New Zealand - Thank you for your support

Due to a kind donation from The Grey family our trainer will now be attending the Assistance Dog International Conference in Canada in June 2010. 
This is a wonderful opportunity for us to make connections with other service dog providers world wide, that support international standards of excellence in training and service provision.

With the receipt of a letter from Hon Rodney Hide informing us that local Government is now ready for applications for legal public access from organisations training and placing Assistance Dogs our application has been completed, checked and is now 'in the mail'. 
Unfortunately we do not know how long processing of our application will take, but it is great to finally be able to take this positive step forward.
Socialisation for our puppies is an important area that effects outcomes both in training and in adaptability of our dogs once they are out working.  For many, the main focus of having an Assistance Dog is to have that assistance when away from home. 
We look forward to hearing how application has been received and hope that this final process of recognition will not take too long.

The Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust's website went online yesterday. It somehow gives a us a sense of reality, a physical presence in a virtual world. We hope to be able to reach many more people this way, providing information and support for all those interested in Assistance Dogs or affected by disabilities. We welcome your comments and your input.