This dog is better than famous friends for Governor-General Quentin Bryce
Simon Black
The Daily Telegraph
February 13, 201312:00AM
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These dogs specialise in helping the disabled / Pic: Adam Taylor Source: The Daily Telegraph
Governor-General Quentin Bryce with her new friend / Pic: Adam Taylor Source: The Daily Telegraph
SHE has shaken the hands of presidents, curtseyed to royalty and met the Pope – but nothing has put a broader smile on the face of Governor-General Quentin Bryce than a kiss from a labrador.
A range of border collies, poodles, retrievers and jack russels gathered under sofas, chairs and even on a lounge in the front room of Admiralty House for the launch of the Australian and New Zealand Assistance Dogs organisation yesterday.
“These wonderful animals bring out the best in us all,” Ms Bryce said.
Eleven-year-old Abby Matthews’ companion dog Jemima goes everywhere – and does everything with her.
“She’s in the shower with her in the morning, she goes for walks with her. She calls her her ‘furry sister’,” her father Peter said.
Mr Matthews said the approval for a companion dog was “harder than getting a mortgage. But it has changed her life”.
The regional chapter of Assistance Dogs International – ANZAD – acts as a unifying body for seeing eye dogs, dogs for the hearing impaired, dogs for those with diabetes and mental health dogs, as well as a host of others.
One thought on “This dog is better than famous friends for Governor-General Quentin Bryce”
Neville
12 February, 2013
Man’s (and Woman’s) best friend. They do not talk about you,
or stab you in the back. A warm bed and good food, and what
you get in return is love and loyalty, which is unconditional.