TAURANGA BOY’S ‘LIFE ENABLING’ ASSISTANCE DOG: ‘SHE IS MY BEST FRIEND’
Source: NZ Herald (Extract)
Posted: September 22, 2024
Six-year-old Harry Lydiard from Tauranga and his 5-year-old assistance dog, Kowhai, share a life-changing bond that brings significant relief to his parents, James and Natasha Lydiard.
Harry has a neuromuscular disorder called congenital myasthenia, which prevents his body from producing enough acetylcholine—the chemical responsible for transmitting messages from the brain to the body.
“Harry and Kowhai have a life-enabling relationship,” Natasha explained. “If he overexerts himself, he can stop breathing within 10 seconds, which could lead to a brain injury.”
Most kids want to be able to run around and play with their friends, and Natasha Lydiard’s son is no different.
“No 6-year-old boy likes to stop running around.”
To prevent this, Kowhai either nudges the back of his knee or puts her head on his lap.
“It has a really calming effect,” James said.
Kowhai, a golden Labrador, is specially trained to assist Harry with his congenital myasthenia and began her training at 12 to 14 months old.
She will stay by Harry’s side until she turns 11, at which point she will retire and be formally adopted by the family.
When that time comes, her blue jacket will be removed, and she will lose her special access privileges.
“Kowhai can accompany him anywhere a person can go: on a train, plane, or to the hospital,” Natasha explained.
Harry shared that Kowhai sleeps in his bed and is always by his side.
“She is my best friend,” he said.
Kowhai joined the Lydiard family through the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust, a registered non-profit organization that provides purpose-trained assistance dogs to New Zealanders with disabilities.
According to a statement from the trust, applications were paused in 2022 due to a lack of funding relative to the demand for their services.
Since then, Assistance Dogs New Zealand has received over 600 inquiries from Kiwis seeking assistance.
Most of their clients are under 20 and live with multiple disabilities. Currently, there are 31 active working dogs across the country, along with 38 puppies in training, who will be placed with their new families at 18 to 20 months old.
