The Alexis and Toomba Story

The Alexis and Toomba Story

First she graduated as an Assistance Dog and now Toomba is headed to university with her new recipient, Alexis Smith. Alexis live in Victoria and was happy to be joined by Service Dog, Toomba.

Is there nothing this clever pup can’t do? Alexis doesn’t think there is.

“She’s very, very good. Excellent actually. She picks things up off the floor for me and I am also training her to get the phone for me,” Alexis said. “She has gone with me to university… I have also taken her to a seminar and she was very good.”

Alexis is currently finishing her PHD in information systems and it will be Toomba’s job to help her get to the university campus. In fact, Toomba helps Alexis to travel on public transport, in taxis, helps her cross the road safely pressing buttons at pedestrian crossings and she can even pay the cashier at shops!

But not only has Toomba given Alexis her much craved independence, she also offers a paw to hold, providing companionship and love. She lights up Alexis’ life with just a wag of her tail.

“Doing a PHD at home can be very isolating,” Alexis said. “The pitter patter of paws is reassuring and it’s great to have someone looking out for me. We’re already attached! It would be pretty hard to pull us apart.”

Moreover, Toomba is so in tune to Alexis’ needs that she actually works out her own strategies in order to help, expanding on everything she learnt while in the Assistance Dogs Australia training programs.

“Toomba is very caring, she enjoys my company and I love hers,” Alexis said “She has really brightened up the family atmosphere. It’s so nice to have someone who is always cheerful around.”

Toomba is part of a program initiated by Assistance Dogs Australia, a non profit organisation which trains Labradors and Golden Retrievers to enhance the quality of life for people with physical disabilities, giving them freedom and independence.

If you would like to show your support, why not participate in Dogtober – for more information visit our Dogtober website at www.dogtober.org.au.