It's not every day that Assistance Dogs New Zealand drops a delivery off at school.
But today is not a normal day for Liam the golden retriever, and his new owner.
Six-year-old Isaac Gray lives with cerebral palsy. A disorder that often leaves him exhausted.
Isaac's condition means he gets anxious about everyday tasks that most people take for granted.
"There's been this great anticipation of when is Liam coming to us, and today is the day. We get him today!"
Isaac's mum and dad have been trying to make today happen for three years. But it's been worth it.
The lucky boy also got the afternoon off school to spend with his new friend.
"Isaac is a happy little boy, however he is not aware of any dangers that are around him. He will quite happily go off with his walker.
"Liam has been trained to help me in that area, to walk with Isaac near his walker. He can help Isaac settle at night if he wakes. Liam will just be a great part of our family."
Isaac is a sociable boy, but it's hoped that matching him with a dog will bring him further out of his shell.
"You can see the interaction already. It draws Isaac to Liam, having Liam there - instead of always being worried about what is going on around him. He looks to Liam as a comforting companion. That will be huge for us."
Dog trainer Julie Hancox is proud of the variety of disabilities that the service caters for across New Zealand.
"Where one dog might not suit a particular disability, we can actually consider that dog for training for another disability. That gives us a greater success rate for the dogs that we raise, train and ultimately place."
Ms Hancox says the trust needs financial support to continue training dogs, so that people like Isaac can enjoy the comfort of a companion like Liam.
Made with funding from
