Life for Lachlan Carnahan can be frustrating, lonely and tiring. The 8-year-old has low tone cerebral palsy, global development delay and autism, and he struggles to perform simple tasks other kids take for granted.
But this year he made a new friend - assistance dog Lady, who's helped him get out into the world without fear. Lachlan's balance, social skills and stress levels are all miles better with the caring labrador in his life.
But the Carnahans waited three years for her to arrive on their doorstep, and right now there are another 74 families whose kids have disabilities and are still on the waiting list.
It takes 18 months and nearly $50,000 to raise and train each canine companion.
This week is Assistance Dog Awareness Week, with the Lend A Paw annual appeal aiming to raise $100,000 to place more dogs with families.
• See www.adnztrust.org.nz to find out more.
