The Background

When Chloe was just 10 years old, she was diagnosed with a grade 4 medulloblastoma (a type of malignant brain tumour). What followed was an incredibly intense, life-altering medical battle. Chloe endured eight separate brain surgeries—including tumour removal, shunt placement, and emergency operations to stop a brain bleed (which left her in a coma)—as well as high-dose chemotherapy and six weeks of intense radiotherapy. While this treatment saved her life, it took a massive toll on her body. Once an athletic, independent little girl, Chloe had to learn how to sit up, walk, and communicate all over again. Her incredible spirit and sense of humour never left her, but she is now registered as disabled and requires daily help to navigate life. Today, Chloe manages several complex conditions, to name a few, partial sight, a balance disorder (ataxia), a processing disorder, short-term memory loss, hearing impairment and Addison's disease. Because she spent her formative years in hospitals surrounded by adults, her social circle contracted while her peers grew independently. She now relies almost entirely on her family for social interaction. An assistance dog is the key to opening up a new, independent life for Chloe. Here is exactly how a trained dog can help her every single day for practical support in daily life:

Navigating the World with Vision Loss

Because Chloe is partially sighted, finding things she drops can be a major challenge. A trained dog can act as her eyes, locating and retrieving items like her phone, keys, or medication on command. The dog can also guide her through new or crowded places, allowing her to explore without needing to hold onto a family member's arm.

Managing Balance and Walking (Ataxia)

Chloe's balance disorder makes walking steady a constant effort. A large, sturdy assistance dog wearing a specialized harness can provide "counterbalance" support, helping her stay steady on her feet. The dog can also learn to "brace"—holding a firm, completely still position—so Chloe has a solid support to push off of when standing up or regaining her balance.

Medical Alerts and Emergency Safety

If Chloe suddenly becomes unwell, an assistance dog can be trained to save the day. The dog can learn to press an emergency button on the wall, bark loudly to alert family members in another room, or fetch a specific medical kit when she needs urgent help.

Shifting from "Being Cared For" to "Caring For"

For the last 14 years, Chloe has always been the one receiving care. Having a dog that relies entirely on her for food, grooming, and love flips that dynamic. It gives her a profound sense of purpose, responsibility, and control over her own life.

Breaking Down Social Barriers

Growing up in a hospital kept Chloe isolated from people her own age. An assistance dog acts as a natural "social bridge." In public, a working dog draws positive attention, breaks the ice, and makes it much easier for people to approach and start a conversation, helping Chloe rebuild a social life of her own. Chloe has fought incredibly hard to get to where she is today. An assistance dog isn't just a pet—it is a vital partner that will give her the freedom, safety, and companionship she needs to step into a brighter, more independent future.