Eli & Taffy's Journey

Eli has received an assistance dog Taffy and this page is to document the journey their journey together. The page is also to help fundraise for $20,000 which goes to Assistance Dogs NZ for the ongoing support and training of Taffy for his lifetime with Eli and his family.

Eli's mum Simone is very grateful to Assistance Dogs NZ for receiving Taffy which costs approximately $30,000 but now she needs to fundraise to obtain the balance of $20,000 for Taffy's lifetime journey with Eli.

Simone and a group of Eli advocates are on a mission to raise these much needed funds. By showing what this dog means to Eli, we hope that you can spare some $$ and will donate to this worthy cause at: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/eliandtaffy or join in some of the fundraising activities. Any support whatever size is greatly appreciated.

A little about Eli & his new companion:
Eli is a fun loving 6 year old son, brother, student and friend. Eli was born with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Eli cannot walk, talk or sit and requires a power wheelchair to get around. Eli requires 24 hour care by his widowed mum Simone who sadly lost her husband James when Eli was 1 year's old. Eli has a very helpful older brother Sean and a great circle of friends. Eli doesn't have any oral language so building networks and friendships can be challenging.

Eli received his assistance dog Taffy in August and there was an instant friendship. Taffy will not only change Eli's life by being a constant companion but will also take some pressure off his mum by doing simple chores like picking up Eli's toys, go to get help, walk alongside his wheelchair, wait with Eli and even retrieve the TV remote!