Handicap: How Poppin’s, the exceptional dog, transformed Catherine’s life
In a world where daily difficulties can sometimes seem insurmountable, the story of Catherine and her assistance dog, Poppin’s, brings a glimmer of hope. Catherine, who lives with multiple sclerosis, has seen her life profoundly transformed thanks to this golden retriever. By participating in events such as a concert, they raise public awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the importance of assistance dogs.
Poppin’s is not only a faithful companion; she is also a practical support providing invaluable help in Catherine’s daily life. This relationship shows how much animal welfare and the bond between a human and an animal can positively impact a life.
Poppin’s, a valuable aid in daily life
Catherine and Poppin’s are an inseparable duo. This dog brings Catherine an ocean of emotions, from moral support to practical assistance with daily tasks. With over fifty commands under her belt, Poppin’s excels at tasks such as turning on lights or picking up fallen objects. Catherine shares: “I wonder how I managed before without Poppin’s. She pushes me to go out and be engaged in life.” To learn more about the role of assistance dogs, check out this article on the impact of assistance dogs.
Gathering and raising awareness through music
On February 28, Catherine will perform at a concert in Colleville-Montgomery to support the Handi’Chiens association. Her goal is clear: to raise funds to help train other service dogs. “Every concert where Poppin’s is present makes her a true star. She brings happiness and creates connections between people. It’s amazing!” exclaims Catherine. For more details about the event, watch a video from the association on Facebook.
The training journey of an assistance dog
The journey to obtain Poppin’s has not been simple. Training an assistance dog costs about 17,500 euros and includes 18 months in a foster family, during which it learns to respond to the specific needs of its future owner. The method used is based on positive education, ensuring not only a good integration of skills but also mutual enrichment between the dog and its owner.
A social and personal change
The presence of Poppin’s has allowed Catherine to experience enriching social interactions. “Before, I often felt isolated, but now, people come to me to talk about Poppin’s. It has really helped me build connections.” Assistance dogs like Poppin’s also play a crucial role in accessibility by raising public awareness of often overlooked issues, such as the challenges faced by people with disabilities. For more information on these interactions, feel free to consult this article.
The future of Catherine and Poppin’s
In the future, Catherine hopes to adopt Poppin’s when she reaches retirement age. This anticipation reveals the importance of a relationship based on love and mutual understanding. “She is not just my dog, she is my family,” concludes Catherine, visibly moved. The life of Catherine and Poppin’s is a beautiful illustration of what the bond between a human and a dog can bring. Discover this beautiful story on this site.
Source: france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr
