Charlotte and Poppy

Assistance Dogs
11 minutes ago
3 min read

“Before Poppy I survived - with Poppy, I truly live.” - Charlotte

The words Charlotte once used to describe her life were “lonely,” “scared,” and “small.” Today, her words are “free,” “safe,” “loved,” and “alive.” Charlotte grew up in Fielding, Manawatū. She loves photography, animals, and music - but for many years, she rarely left her bedroom.

Charlotte has autism and becomes easily overwhelmed by noise, bright lights, and unpredictable environments. Charlotte says she’s been affected by bullying throughout her life and has become a very socially anxious person.

“Before Poppy, my world felt very small. I would isolate myself in my bedroom at home and rarely even come out to spend time with my immediate family. I relied heavily my parents and support workers for everything. I wanted so badly to be part of life, but it felt like life was happening without me.”

On the rare occasions Charlotte was brave enough to leave the house, sensory overwhelm often triggered seizures - leaving her feeling frustrated, scared and alone.

After five years on the waitlist, Charlotte received a message on her birthday that changed everything - an Assistance Dog was ready for her, and her name was Poppy.

“The moment I saw that message, I burst into tears and ran to my mum. It felt like a new beginning, and like something had finally gone right after so many hard years.”

In just five months, Poppy has transformed Charlotte’s world. The young woman who once struggled to leave her bedroom is now spending quality time with her family, going out independently, visiting cafés, and - remarkably - moving into her own flat.

“I’ll never forget our first walk alone together around my neighbourhood. I felt nervous, but with Poppy by my side, I realised I could actually do it - I could move through the streets, face the world, and feel safe. That’s when it hit me: life could be different now.”

Because Poppy has government granted public access rights, she goes everywhere with Charlotte - supermarkets, malls, cafes - providing comfort, safety, and confidence.

If Charlotte is out and starts to feel stressed, she can ask Poppy to find her a chair or an exit - and Poppy will immediately step up and take the lead. Poppy is also trained to sense when Charlotte is becoming overwhelmed and will give her a gentle nudge to let her know she’s right there, and she can also provide deep pressure - a calming, grounding weight - whenever Charlotte asks.

“In moments that used to completely overwhelm me, Poppy makes me feel safe. She looks at me as if to say, ‘we’ve got this, Mum,’ and reminds me I’m not alone. With Poppy by my side, the world feels more accepting - people smile, show understanding, and give me space and patience. She’s also brought my family so much joy and relief. They see me happy, independent, and safe, and that means everything.”

Because of people like you - and with Poppy by her side - Charlotte is now excited for the future. "I feel ready to try new things, meet new people, and see more of the world. Before Poppy, I tried hard to hide my autism. Now, with Poppy by my side, I feel like I don’t have to hide anymore. I can finally just be me. Poppy’s not just my Assistance Dog, she’s my companion, my courage, and my constant reminder that I am capable of so much more than I ever believed. She helps me experience the world instead of hiding from it. Before Poppy, I survived - with Poppy, I truly live."

And Charlotte knows exactly who made this possible: “Please know that your support changes lives. You’re not just helping someone get a dog - you’re giving them hope, independence, and the chance to experience life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."