After a three-year wait, eight-year-old Pip has been matched with her very own Smart Pups Assistance Dog. Mae, a golden retriever, will comfort and support Pip, especially during moments when she struggles with emotional regulation.
Pip, who is autistic and has Trisomy X, a chromosome disorder, received Mae late last year, thanks to the fundraising efforts of her mother, Rachel, and funding support from Kedron-Wavell.
Rachel, Pip and brother Rhys, 7, are adjusting to their new routine with Mae as a central part of their daily lives. Rachel said that from the first week of having Mae, she noticed a change in her daughter.
“Pip ran up to hug Mae the first moment she laid eyes on her,” Rachel said. “Mae disrupted a meltdown that week that would normally end up being 20 minutes. Thirty seconds in, Mae went straight up to Pip and did her thing and Pip started laughing. I was astonished.
“Having a best friend in Mae is going to be so good for Pip. We are already getting out of the house more, to go for walks and play fetch.
“This is great for Pip’s relationship with her brother because he’s a very active kiddo and Pip really isn’t. Now we take Mae for a walk and Rhys can ride his bike.
“I’m looking forward to when Mae can sleep on Pip’s bed so she can assist her to go back to sleep when she wakes in the middle of the night.
“Pip is also excited to talk about her dog, so that is already helping with her social engagement.”
A Growing Family and a Fateful Connection
The family is also celebrating the recent arrival of Rhys’s long-awaited new kitten, Whiskey.
“He is learning how to pick her up so she feels safe and secure with him,” Rachel said.
“On first introduction, Whiskey hissed at Mae maybe four times (no swiping) and then she let Mae lick her head. They are on the road to becoming good mates.”
Rachel said Mae was meant to be with Pip from the very beginning.
“We found out on placement week that we actually met Mae when she was about six weeks old,” she said. “We visited the Smart Pups facility in August 2023 and were able to play with some Retriever puppies and it turns out one of those was Mae!
“I’m really looking forward to seeing their bond grow and Mae being able to read Pippy without help. I’m also hopeful that Pip’s confidence will grow with Mae’s support.”
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Orchids Galore at Summer Show
- Van Morrison Fans Set for Tribute Show’s QLD Premiere
- The Evolution of Gympie Road: From Track to Thoroughfare
- Petition Seeks Restoration of Keith Boden Wetlands
- Fibre Broadband Boost for Brisbane’s Northside
- Men’s Shed Turn Historic Timber into Handcrafted Treasures
- A Gem of a Day Awaits at Lapidary Club Show
- 30 Years of Service Celebrated at Bright Beginnings
- Gary Puckett and The Union Gap Set for Sell-Out Aussie Tour
- The Love Language Guide to Valentine Gift Giving
- Ear Hustle Podcast Review
- Top 5 Picks for Best Picture Oscar
- Top Tips for Downsizing Your Property
- Celebrate Culture and Cuisine at BrisAsia Festival
- Princessinit_ Crowned Finalist in The QUBE Effect
