NEWS DESK
Jensen’s life of love and caring Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au JENSEN has his work ahead of him. The 18-month-old poodle-golden retriever cross – or “Groodle” – is about to embark on his life’s work: becoming a companion dog for a child suffering with autism. It’s no easy task but, thanks to families like the Bunnys, of Seaford, Jensen has the best possible grounding for a life of service. “He’s our second dog, with the first – Zola – going on to become a compan-
ion dog for a child suffering with Chops syndrome, which affects only one in a billion children,” mother Carly said. This disorder involves multiple abnormalities present from birth, including cognitive impairment, coarse facial features, heart defects, obesity, lung problems, short stature, and skeletal abnormalities. He was also a groodle – a breed known to be non-aggressive and friendly, but protective and intelligent. Now, Jensen looks forward to similar responsibilities. He is undertaking several months’ formal training before a
possible two-week placement with the family of a child with autism. Then, if successful, he will be placed in a oneon-one placement with a child for a month, initially, then for life if things work out. The long training and placement process can take 18 months-two years but everything has to gel because the consequences are so important. “We were reading about a local family raising a dog and doing fundraising,” Mrs Bunny said. “I had never heard of an autism dog, but they said they were looking for pup-
py raisers for Dogs for Kids with Disabilities and we decided to give it a go. “We are going to miss Jensen – especially the children Finley, 5, and Orla, 3 – as he has become one of the family.” The not-for-profit organisation Dogs for Kids with Disabilities is based in Seaford. Their dogs are trained to be loving, loyal and to know how to prevent bolting, decrease self-harm behaviours and reduce meltdowns in children with autism. They help children sleep better, reduce anxiety and build communication.
Dogs for Kids with Disabilities says it takes 18 months to raise and train a pup so that it is ready to be matched with their child. Members of the public are invited to sponsor or donate to a DKD dog in training to help them fund the journey. Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. The body does not receive any government funding. Children and their families rely on the generosity of others to help cover the $25,000 it costs to raise and train a full assistance dog. Details: call 9786 2909.
Police patrol
Petrol causes fatal fire AN Aspendale Gardens man weeding in his garden died after petrol fumes caught alight, Wednesday last week. Police said the 42-year-old was pouring petrol from a watering can onto weeds along his fence line unaware of the danger as he neared a gas heater. The pilot light ignited the fumes, setting the man, and the fence, on fire. Witnesses said the man, of Waterdale Pl, ran across the yard to grab the garden hose but had already suffered serious burns to his body. Neighbours ran to help and called an ambulance. The man was taken to The Alfred hospital with life threatening injuries and died next day. A Crime Scene was established by Mordialloc police and an arson chemist attended.
Door kicked in A MAN allegedly kicked in the doors to Cheltenham police station, Sunday morning. The Cheltenham man, 56, allegedly made demands to be arrested for defrauding Centrelink. Police said he smashed the lower glass door pane and arrested him. An ambulance was called and the man was taken to the Monash Medical Centre under a police escort. A medical condition means the man is unlikely to face criminal charges.
Bogus cheques A MAN and woman have been charged with making and using a false document, attempting to obtain property by deception, possessing the proceeds of crime and possessing a drug of dependence. Kingston Crime Investigation Unit detectives allege that over the weekend, the pair stole electrical items and blank cheques from a factory in Wickham Rd, Moorabbin. On Monday they allegedly attempted to cash two cheques to the sum of $10,000. Detective Senior Constable Carly O’Donnell said that on Monday afternoon, police arrested the pair in Fortescue Av, Seaford, in possession of the stolen cheques and also stolen property. Police also allege they found a quantity of cocaine. Both are from Carrum Downs, The man is 40 and the woman 42. The pair was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 4 August. Another man is yet to be spoken to in relation to this incident.
Shot fired at house A SHOT was fired into house in Langwarrin, 9.30pm, Wednesday 11 May. It is believed to have been fired from a car in the street. Detective Sergeant Gary Richards, of Frankston CIU, said a .22 calibre bullet ricocheted off a verandah post and through the lounge room window of the house in North Gateway. Neighbours thought they heard a shot at 9.30pm but the windy night made confirmation difficult. The residents were home at the time but the damage was not discovered until the next morning when glass was found on the floor. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or Frankston CIU, 9784 5555.
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 25 May 2016