The Kathy and Vero Story
Assistance Dogs Australia’s newest service dog, Vero, has been making paw prints on the hearts of those in the Winston Hills community. But the deepest mark he’s made, in on the heart of his new recipient Kathy Walden.
While his amazing coat and stunning eyes help him attract lots of new friends, he is so much more than a pretty face to Kathy.
For Kathy, Vero represents freedom and independence, helping her with tasks that people in a wheelchair find difficult to achieve – tasks such as opening and closing doors, answering the telephone, retrieving dropped objects, helping her on public transport and even getting bottles of water from the fridge.
“We’re bonding really well, he’s doing all his tasks spectacularly, he’s going really well,†said Kathy.
Vero is Kathy’s second Assistance Dog and he has big shoes to fill. Kathy’s first service dog, Bess, passed away recently and while Kathy is still coping with the loss, Vero’s big kisses and cuddles make her smile.
If you would like to say ‘hi’ to Kathy and shake paws with Vero, please visit them at Winston Hills Mall on Friday 27th November as part of Assistance Dogs Australia Week. Vero does request however, that people speak to Kathy first before patting him.
