The Tim and Roxy Story
The name on Tim McCallum’s lips, is definitely, Roxy - the name of his Assistance Dog and best friend.
Roxy helps Tim with everyday tasks that he can find difficult if not impossible to achieve, such as picking up all sorts of dropped items, like his mobile phone or his keys, she opens and closes doors, presses the button at the traffic lights and is trained to alert bark if Tim needs help or falls out of his wheelchair.
“I never realised how important my independence was until I lost it after my accident. Assistance Dogs Australia has given it back through a beautiful Labrador named Roxy,” Tim said.
In 1999, Tim was chosen as one of eighteen talented performers to attend Australia’s leading performing arts university, the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where actors like Hugh Jackman and Heath Ledger studied. However, just days before he was set to being his course at WAAPA a swimming accident at a local Perth beach left him a quadriplegic.
Since his accident, Tim’s resilient character and spirit have touched the hearts of many. He rehabilitated and returned to the stage to continue with his dream of a performing career and is now set to audition for a role in Cirque du Soleil. His biggest fan is Roxy, who often appears with him on stage.
“Roxy is the 50/50 dog. 50% of what she does is the physical tasks she’s been trained to help me with. The other 50% is the companionship. She’s a complete wonder dog," Tim said. "Roxy is my best friend and I know that I could not achieve the things I want to in life without her help and companionship."
Roxy was raised as part of Assistance Dogs Australia’s Pups in Prison Program, in Kirkconnell Correctional Centre near Bathurst and is Tim’s second Assistance Dog. Buster, Tim’s first Service Dog is now retired and living out his golden years with Tim’s parents.
“Assistance Dogs Australia have provided me with the most invaluable life tool I could possibly need. They don’t ask for anything in return. They will never know how grateful I am for the gift they have given me,” Tim said.
Tim and Roxy have recently made appearances on The 7pm Project and The Circle
If you would like to help change a life just like Roxy has, donate now.
