Tully Lions Club's Support Helping Assistance Dog Change A Life

Sponsored by the Lions Club of Tully, assistance dog Tully has completed her training with Lions Assistance Dogs and will soon begin supporting her future owner. Photo supplied

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The Lions Club of Tully is making a lasting difference beyond the Cassowary Coast through its sponsorship of an assistance dog that is now preparing to transform the life of someone living with mental health challenges.

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Labradoodle Tully, named in honour of the local community, has recently completed her training with Lions Assistance Dogs and is expected to be matched with her recipient this month after more than a year of dedicated preparation.

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Sponsored by the Lions Club of Tully, Tully has been trained as a Psychiatric Assistance Dog, learning a range of specialised tasks designed to support someone living with a psychosocial disability. Among her skills are recognising signs of anxiety, responding with calming behaviours, seeking help from others when required and assisting her future owner in everyday life.

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Trainer James said Tully had made remarkable progress throughout her training.

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"Tully has been working incredibly hard, and we've been focusing on balancing her task work with plenty of settling sessions in between," he said.

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"She's picked up new tasks almost immediately and absolutely loves working with people. It's been wonderful to watch her grow, and I know she's ready to change her recipient's life in the best way possible."

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Client Services Coordinator Marcello thanked the Lions Club of Tully for its ongoing support throughout Tully's journey.

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"We truly couldn't do this without you, and I know Tully would thank you too if she could," he said.

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