SNN_July 2021 Issue_web low res

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 18
My advice is to remind
patients that the only thing
that has changed about
them is their injury.
—Di Cottle
with a bit of attention and a Floyd cuddle whenever they
needed one. He regularly accompanied patients on
community outings and he provided companionship for
patients who were missing their own animals at home …
even letting patients groom him (as part of their therapy).
Patients would often come looking for Floyd so that they
could introduce him to their families … and the children
loved him.
How is he taking his retirement?
Di has been an integral part of the ASRU rehabilitation team for 22 years.
that alone has become the biggest project in my life. After
the sale is completed, I am sure I will be able to
experience what retirement is really like. Yahoo!
Floyd has been working as a Mobility / Therapy Dog
at the ASRU for the past 10 years, how did that
come about?
Floyd was an important part of the ASRU, not only for the
patients but also the staff, and he took his job very
seriously. The adjustment to his new life has been difficult
for him to understand and I feel he sometimes wonders
why we are not getting up to go to work anymore. When
we visit the unit now, the bounce and excitement return
in his step and he goes around trying to say hello to
everyone. I watch the new patients looking on at this
crazy dog wondering who he thinks he is. He's Floyd and
the ASRU is still his home and the staff are his family.
Floyd had been officially trained as a Mobility Dog but he
didn’t quite reach the height that was expected and the
organisation was looking for somewhere to place him so
that he could be an Ambassador for their service. I had
recently lost my own dog, Bear, and I was approached to
become his carer so that he could come in to work with me
at ASRU. Floyd is a Retro Doodle, with a beautiful face and
soulful eyes, and anyone who has met Floyd would know
that there was no other choice but to take him home with
me … and our working relationship started from there.
What type of personality does Floyd have?
Floyd has a calm and quiet nature, with the only
exception being his obsession for food … any food (apart
from raw vegetables and salad)—the way to his heart is
definitely through his stomach! He is also very tolerant
and accommodating, which was demonstrated on the
many occasions that staff would dress him up in various
outfits for special days, such as Easter, St Patrick’s Day,
Christmas, etc. Floyd had his own dress up wardrobe at
ASRU … however I am very sure that this is one part of his
job that he will not miss.
How did Floyd become such an integral part of the
team at ASRU?
The staff would dress up Floyd in various outfits for special days.
Floyd gives so much love to everyone he comes in contact
with, which helped the patients and staff to get through
their daily challenges … always willing to provide anyone