For Lucky the labrador a game of fetch involves far more than retrieving a stick or tennis ball.
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This 20-month-old golden lab can get his carer a bottle of water to quench her thirst, pluck the keys out of her handbag when requested and even grab a ringing phone and bring it to her attention.
‘’It’s always sad letting them go, but I always remember why I’m doing it.’’
For now that carer is Kiama resident Janny Abbenes but in a few months – when Lucky graduates as an assistance dog – he’ll go to his forever home.
His new owner might be a child or adult with a physical disability or autism; it may be an ex-serviceman with PTSD or an elderly person with dementia.
Lucky may even be placed by Assistance Dogs Australia with a school or care home to share his skills – and love – around.
His leaving will be bittersweet for Mrs Abbenes, but she’s had plenty of practise. Lucky is the 35th trainee assistance dog she’s taken in, after volunteering when her family dog died 12 years ago.
‘’I like to see the achievements the dogs make – it’s very satisfying to see how they build up their skills over time,’’ she said.
‘’It’s always sad letting them go, but I always remember why I’m doing it.’’
Assistance Dogs Australia hopes others will follow Mrs Abbenes lead.
The national charity has placed more than 200 assistance dogs throughout Australia - with 26 of those placed in 2015, free of charge, to people in need. It receives no government funding and relies heavily on volunteers.
In March, the charity holds its annual fundraising Harley Davidson ride through the Royal National Park, from Cronulla to Mt Keira lookout.
Pups go through a comprehensive training program. Puppy educators look after them from eight weeks old, helping them move from their L-plates to their P-plates. Then advanced trainers, such as Mrs Abbenes, take over and it’s here that they learn to open doors, pick up dropped items and bring things.
Peta Gilbert, another Kiama resident, also volunteers for the charity.
‘’I look after some dogs temporarily while their carer is on holidays or after they’ve been desexed, and I have others for longer – so far I’ve had around 10 in my care,’’ she said. ‘’I love dogs and I think it’s just amazing how they can help people.’’
Information at www.assistancedogs.org.au
