Tippet works like charm for family

A lovable golden labrador dog is charming the hearts of the Morrison family.

Tippet, a 20-month-old dog, joined their home on Auckland’s North Shore in late October.

He is a welcome addition for Jim and Lynn and their 17-year-old son Ben, who has autism, diagnosed when he was 2 years old.

Their new family member is an assistance dog, specially trained to promote independent living, mobility, safety and companionship for children and adults with disabilities.

He is now a constant companion for Ben and goes with him nearly everywhere.

‘‘We’ve started Ben off on a new routine with Tippet. He feeds him morning and night and takes him for walks most days,’’ Lynn said.

‘‘He’s quite happy to do the leading, now we stand back behind him.

‘‘We’ve been getting out a lot and venturing a little more each time.’’

Fairfax Media met the Morrisons in August when they were raising money to purchase Tippett through the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust.

Ben had behaviour problems as a child, does not adapt well to change, has sensory issues, and is prone to wander off unsupervised.

He was 5 years old when he said his first word, and his parents did not get a full night’s sleep until he was 7.

They hope Tippet is just the ticket for helping Ben become more social and independent.

Tippet joins the family on every outing and has been for walks and to the movies, shopping mall, weekend markets, and tenpin bowling with Ben so far.

Lynn said it could be hard to motivate Ben to get out and go for walks and he did not leave the house without his bag of pictures and models, but she had noticed that change with Tippet.

‘‘He’s so reliant on his other obsessions and bag of pictures he carries around but he’s started leaving them at home and in the car, which is huge,’’ Lynn said.

‘‘He’s been living in his imaginary world but now he’s starting to interact with something real which is really good for Ben.’’

While Tippet is now part of the family, the Morrisons are still fundraising to pay for him through the trust.

To donate to their fundraiser go to givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/ assistancedog4ben.

Assistance Dogs New Zealand Woof & Walk is on Sunday, November 13, at One Tree Hill in Auckland at 1.30pm.

- Fairfax NZ