Assistance dog given cell therapy
David Haxton
A much-loved assistance dog from Whanganui has been getting lifechanging stem cell therapy treatment.
Rica, 12, a German shepherd, is loyal assistant to Merenia Donne, founder of the Kotuku Foundation, which trains disability assistance dogs.
Rica is trained to fetch a phone, push an alarm button and give a warning if she detects Donne is about to have a panic attack.
“She’s invaluable to me,” said Donne, who needs help following a car crash many years ago.
But in recent times Rica has been slowing down because of arthritis.
After a bit of research into stem cell therapy, Donne contacted Nick Cooper, a director at CareVets New Zealand, which agreed to provide Rica with the therapy.
Rica has had four sessions at CareVets Kapiti, starting late last year and finishing last Friday.
The non-invasive therapy, which uses sheep placenta cells, has helped re-energise Rica. “It gives the dog’s system a reboot and enables it to better repair the damage the arthritis has caused.”
Donne has noticed an improvement in Rica’s mobility.
“I wouldn’t say it has been spectacular but I would definitely say there has been an improvement.
“And other people who know us have also noticed.”
Merenia was delighted CareVets’ help and generosity.
“Without their help it would have been difficult if not impossible to access the treatment because it is with very expensive. I’m absolutely indebted to them because my dog is my world.”
CareVets’ Nick Cooper said the company was happy to assist because of the foundation’s work.
“We are extremely happy with the results with Rica.” — Kapiti News