Star pup set to join the marathon
Being first dog to run the Harbour Bridge all in a day’s work for Finn.
TV star rescue dog-turnedlifesaver Finn is now a frontrunner for helping people with disabilities. The huntaway cross will be accompanying his owner, Belinda Simpson, in the Auckland Marathon on October 29, in a breakthrough move to allow disability assist dogs to compete in the popular event.
Marathon race director Bec Williams confirmed organisers were looking at allowing the dogs from next year. Simpson was a catalyst for the move. She was allowed to enter with Finn in the Auckland Marathon’s 12km Traverse event, which includes crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, after safety measures were agreed and permission gained from authorities including NZTA.
Simpson, 44, suffers from epilepsy and a traumatic brain injury. Finn’s care of her includes alerting her about 30 minutes before she has a seizure, and stopping her being injured from falling.
The 2-year-old qualified disability assist dog — wearing an identification uniform — would be attached at her waist for the race. A support team would accompany Simpson, who would be using walking poles.
Simpson said she thought a major concern for the organisers had been: “What happens if I dropped the lead and he [Finn] ran out into traffic because it’s on the motorway?
“But I said, look, he’s going to be clipped to me. And there are also going to be a number of support workers with me.
“If there’s any problem, there are enough people to be able to deal with him [and] help me.”
Two lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be closed from 4am-11am for the marathon — one for participants and the other a safety lane. The 12km Traverse goes from Northcote to Victoria Park.
Simpson, who would start the event at the back of the pack — “so we don’t get in anybody’s way” — was looking forward to the “gorgeous views” crossing the Harbour Bridge.
She was training daily with Finn from her Papakura home and they recently completed a 10.4km walk.
The 12km Traverse was a big step forward for Simpson, who walked with a frame and then crutches after being struck by a car four years ago. She was delighted marathon organisers were considering allowing the dogs. “People with disabilities have enough limitations as it is,” she said.
Williams said Finn was the only disability assist dog in this year’s Auckland Marathon, but it was possible others could be allowed.
Finn began training when he was filmed in TV show Purina Pound Pups to Dog Stars, in which animal behaviour expert Mark Vette helped prepare rescue dogs for new homes.
He was one of a litter of 13. Seven pups drowned in a river before someone saved the remaining six.
Finn has been with Simpson since he was 6 months old. He goes with her to medical appointments, in supermarkets and on trains and has been on flights to Wellington. Simpson plans to take him with her on a holiday to Perth next year.
Finn was also making regular visits to patients at a brain injury rehabilitation therapy unit at Middlemore Hospital and being used in a programme for at-risk youths.
“People with disabilities have enough limitations as it is.”
Belinda Simpson