18 Jul 2023Dogs trained to provide practical support, companionship and security. Welcome to the world of Mobility dogs, canines that transform the lives of people living with disabilities. Through their clever practical support, companionship and unconditional love, these dogs truly transform the lives of their partners.
Since 2008, Mobility Dogs has partnered with the Department of Corrections on the Puppies in Prisons Programme. The team educate prisoners at Wiri and Spring Hill prisons to train Mobility Dogs who will be partnered with people living with disability.
“The Puppies in Prison Programme is very grateful to have received funding from the Lindsay Foundation, which helped cover some of the costs of the Programme and ensured its ongoing sustainability. The partnership between the Programme and the foundation has helped improve the lives of both the inmates and the dogs, while also benefiting the wider community.
The Mobility Dogs Puppies in Prison Programme is a unique initiative that aims to train puppies to become service dogs for people with disabilities. The Programme is currently run two Auckland based correctional facilities, where inmates are tasked with the responsibility of raising and training the puppies. The puppies receive a variety of training, such as obedience and socialization skills, as well as the specialized training that is required to become a qualified Mobility Dog”. Dianne Armstrong – Trust & Foundation Manager