Alana’s Dream: Giving Back, One Paw at a Time

Alana is passionate about giving back to others and creating meaningful connections in her community.

As a Manawanui customer since 2017, she has been able to stay independent and connected to her whānau, friends, and local community. With the help of her service dog, she gained confidence and independence in her day-to-day life.

“Before Gus I didn’t risk going out without someone with me. I wasn’t fully living my life.”

With Gus by her side, Alana gained confidence and independence. Over time, she began to notice the impact he had on others as well.

“I realised the benefit Gus was giving to others as well as me.”

That’s where the idea for something more began. As her service dog gets older, therapy work is no longer suitable for him so Alana started thinking about how she could continue that support for herself while also sharing it with others.

With support from Manawanui’s Fund for Good, she’s been able to take that next step with Billy - a puppy who is now training to become her future dual-purpose service and therapy dog.

Billy is still young, but already full of potential. With support from Pawsible Service Dogs, he’s learning the foundations he’ll need to support Alana day to day, while also working towards therapy work in the community - from visiting hospital patients to supporting children with reading.

Now 8.5 months old, Billy is making great progress in his training.

“Billy is doing really well overall and continues to make good progress with his training and development.”

He’s currently learning how to stay focused in different environments, settle calmly, and build confidence as he experiences the world around him.

Alana’s journey with Billy is just getting started, but it’s already opening up opportunities to create meaningful connections and give back in a way that feels right for her. Alana’s story is a great example of what Fund for Good is all about: creating opportunity, independence, and connection.