Assistance dog who helps others needed help himself
In 2017 Stuff's Wellington office opened their door to some of our four legged friends today much to the delight of staff and visitors.
Paddy is a four-legged hero but last week he was the one that needed to have his life saved.
The black Labrador assistance dog, who saved a child from drowning at Wellington's Thorndon Pool in January, accidentally ate blood and bone fertiliser from a Ngaio garden.
Paddy's owner Liz Gasson immediately noticed something was wrong and rushed Paddy to the vet.
Liz Gasson and her service dog Paddy at Stuff's Wellington office for bring a dog to work day.
"It was one of the scariest days of my life. He was struggling. If we had been at the vet five minutes later, he wouldn't be here," she said.
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* Dogs come to work at Stuff in Wellington
* Paddy the assistance dog helps to rescue struggling young swimmer
Paddy was saved but the vet bills exceeded $700, which was more than Liz could afford.
In January Paddy helped save Ross Parry, 8, whose leg got caught in a handrail while swimming at Thorndon Pool.
A Facebook page was set up by her Ngaio neighbours, who raised $1200 in two days.
"I`ve been living with multiples sclerosis for 13 years and all my savings are taken by the treatment.
"My neighbours know how important Paddy is and decided to help me. I'm blessed to have so many special people in my life."
Stuff chief executive Sinead Boucher says having dogs in the office brightens the mood.
Liz's Labrador does everything with her, even helping toopen doors.
In the beginning of the year, when she fell on the toilet and became unconscious, he called Liz's son Jonathan to rescue her.
"He is my half. I would probably have even more barriers and fear if I didn't have him in my life," she said.
Paddy joined seven employees' dogs on a visit to the Stuff office in Wellington on Friday as part of a Dog Day to support NZ Assistance Dogs Trust.
Stuff chief executive and Golden Retriever Rizzo's owner Sinead Boucher said it was amazing to be able to do an initiative like that.
"It is a small thing that has a really positive effect on people's mood. It's lovely to look around and see everyone is smiling, laughing and want to pat the dogs.
"There's a lot of research that shows that bringing dogs to the workplace can lift people's sense of well-being and enjoyment," she said.
Any employees who didn't consider themselves dog people or had allergies were allowed to work from home.
It is the second time Stuff has held a dog day in Wellington.
- Stuff
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