Tanya and her best friend Harry

When Tanya met Harry

At the age of 19, Tanya was left quadriplegic in a road accident. With limited arm movement and no hand function, Tanya became completely dependent on her parents, unable to do anything on her own.

That’s until January 2001, when she met Harry, who has been her Assistance Dog since then.

“Harry came in to my life and made a huge difference to my level of independence. For the first time since the accident, my quality of life has improved …” says Tanya. “And for the first time I can get out of my own front door, because Harry opens it for me!”

Tanya works in the field of web design, having completed two Diplomas since the accident. Harry helps with day-to-day tasks, fetching whatever is needed and calling for help if Tanya gets into trouble. In the evening, Harry and Tanya go to the movies, the theatre, concerts and even nightclubs. Harry breaks the ice – people stop to talk and offer help.

The grants provided by United Way to Assistance Dogs of Australia help them to train and look after more dogs like Harry who can make such a difference in a disabled or terminally ill young person’s life.