Watch dog for boys

By Kelly Yates
A NARRE Warren South mother is raising funds to purchase an autism assistance dog worth $29,000 for her twin sons.
Rachael Woolley has collected more than $6000 towards the dog for her four-year-old sons Jake and Cooper, through various fundraising events and donations.
On Tuesday night, Ms Woolley made more than $600 at a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts fundraiser in Narre Warren.
“We are so happy with the amount raised. But there’s still a long road ahead,” she said.
The autism assistance dogs are from Righteous Pups Australia and are trained in search and rescue.
The not-for-profit organisation’s mission is to raise, socialise and train the dogs to do a variety of practical tasks for children with autism and their families.
The Woolley family received a visit from two of the Bendigo based dogs last Monday.
Righteous Pups Australia managing director Joanne Baker said the organisation had chosen a dog for the family, a pure white working Labrador, Albert.
“We believe the dog is a perfect fit for the boys,” she said.
Ms Baker said it was vital that the community supported the family.
“The community is already doing a fantastic job for the two special boys and we are well on the way to raising the funds,” she said.
Ms Woolley, a mother of four who also has an eight-month-old daughter Amber and two-year-old son Dylan, said day-to-day life for the family with Jake and Cooper was very difficult and emotionally draining, as they needed constant supervision.
Ms Woolley said the assistance dog would be a lifesaver for her family.
“The boys try and run away on a daily basis, so the dog would be an extra pair of eyes for us,” she said.
Preparations were also underway for a children’s fundraising event at Hallam Valley Primary School on Saturday 15 November, featuring a performance from the Kazoos, face painting, raffles and a sausage sizzle.
The concert is due to start at 11.30am, with tickets at $8.50 per person.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the purchase of an autism assistance dog.
Ms Woolley is asking local businesses to assist by donating raffle prizes for the event.
With the help of the dog, the twins would find a companion, a best friend and a helper for the family, she said.
Donations can be made to Righteous Pups Australia or by calling Rachael Woolley on 0400 944 208.