Diamond is this dog’s best friend

AUSTRALIAN Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett has a new netball training partner — five-month-old assistance pup Tilly.

Since NSW’s COVID-19 shutdown, the goal shooter has been busy training the labrador for Assistance Dogs Australia.

“It’s definitely a lot of repetition, and they’ve got to come to as many places as possible with you,” she said.

“We went to Bunnings the other day, catching buses together. We’re catching the train next week. She’s got to get used to all the things that normal, everyday people do.” In nine months, Tilly will graduate from Bassett’s care and start a more intensive training program, through which she will learn to open doors and press traffic light buttons.

The Giants’ shooter, 32, admitted parting would be hard: “I love Tilly,” she said.

“She’s a special puppy, but I know what difference she’ll make to someone else’s life, and that makes it easier. She could go to someone who has PTSD or autism. It just depends on what her strengths are and what the needs of the people are.”

Bassett has spent the lockdown period rehabilitating a serious knee injury.