The Karen and Gypsy Story
Karen Hiam, from Clayton in Victoria will tell you that she hadn’t been on a holiday in twenty years until recently, when she was able to travel to Sydney with the help of her gorgeous Service Dog, Gypsy.
Visiting Gypsy’s puppy raiser, Chris Hodder, Karen was able to explore the Harbour City for the first time, taking a ferry under the Harbour Bridge, watching the light shine off the giant shells that make up the Opera House and eating fish and chips at Manly.
Karen and Gypsy spent some time in the sun at Cronulla, checking out the Hogs for Dogs venue and travelled down the south coast, taking in the sites of Wollongong. Gypsy’s favourite part of the holiday was going to the beach, frolicking in the sand and going for swims in the cool water.
“Gypsy means a lot to me, she is my best friend and I couldn’t imagine life without her,” Karen said. “She just loves helping me. I love having her around and I love her to bits.”
Karen’s life has changed for the better since Gypsy has been around. Gypsy opens and closes doors, picks up dropped objects and even helps to wash the clothes, loading and unloading the washing machine. Karen and Gypsy are also part of our Reading Labs Program, helping to reel in reluctant and struggling readers at Clayton North Primary School - book line and sinker.
