Image: private
“I’ve already received a dog leash as a gift,” says Simon Payers about the project, which is intended to make his everyday life much easier. Because the long-desired – and urgently needed – assistance dog will soon follow on the leash. But there are still a few things to be done before that happens, because the 37-year-old from Freistadt needs more than just a pet: Simon Payer has been disabled several times since he was born. He is in a wheelchair and is supported by his parents in all aspects of life. However, a partner or assistance dog would be a great help in the effort to become more independent. Such animals are specially trained to deal with people with special needs and are therefore correspondingly expensive. A dog suitable for Simon costs around 25,000 euros. The training alone takes a year.
Four-legged door opener
“Having a dog is a lifelong dream for Simon,” says his mother, Raphaela. A partner dog means a bit more independence and also responsibility, adds dad Gerald: “I hope that such a dog will become a real friend for Simon.” Simon Payer is also full of anticipation for his future four-legged friend. “The dog will go for a walk with me, can open doors for me, pick up something that I drop and he can get help.” But most important to him: “The dog can sleep in my room and I can brush him and with me cuddle him!”
In order to cover the considerable costs, the Rotary Club Freistadt is making a contribution this weekend, which many people can help with: Because the Rotarians invite you to a benefit concert in the Freistadt parish church on Sunday at 5 p.m. The ensemble “Kons Art” with professionally trained church musicians will take you on a touching journey through different eras of sacred music.
Tickets for the concert are available from Bucher-papier-Wolfsgruber, Café Hubertus and members of the Freistadt Rotary Club. A ticket costs 15 euros in advance, 18 euros at the box office, schoolchildren pay 10 euros. “The net proceeds from the event go towards the purchase of Simon’s partner dog,” says Rotary Freistadt President Wolfgang Preissl.
Source: Nachrichten
