Customer Focus: Our Story - August the Assistance Dog

Meet Gus 🐶 — Our Next Customer Focus Superstar.

Here’s what his owner, Helen, has to say about him:

Affectionately known as ‘Gus’, August joined the family on Bonfire Night 2023. Since then, he’s grown in so many ways—into those huge puppy paws, into a special bond with our youngest, into understanding how to make us all happy, and, of course, grown in (and out of!) several collars and harnesses.

Gus is an assistance dog in training—though you wouldn’t always be able to tell! As any Goldie owner knows, they rarely do anything at speed, are on constant “chill” mode, and score highly in the “goofy” stakes.

Even as a pup, Gus had a quirky obsession with a tiny IKEA kids’ chair our kids had outgrown. He could curl up in it perfectly—with his favourite toy still in his mouth! And despite his growing size, he still curls up in that chair like he belongs there.

🐾 Training and School Life

Gus is learning his assistance dog role with Adolescent Dogs, currently working through Gold level. Once qualified, he will accompany our youngest in Class (third year of secondary school). Our son has autism and anxiety, and school has been tricky for him—but Gus, goofiness and all, has transformed that experience.

Gus has learned to:

• Give deep pressure therapy by lying across our son’s lap
  
  

• Interrupt repetitive behaviours
  
  

• Create space in overwhelming situations
  
  

The training is ongoing, and part of that is helping Gus know when it’s time to sniff around versus focus on his handler. The double-clip Wiggles and Wags harness is perfect for this—flipping between top and chest clips signals what’s expected.

🏞 Gear & Adventures

We had to buy a duplicate harness because Gus loves his morning dip in the River, but no one wants a soggy school uniform! His black harness now matches his academy colours for school, while a red one is reserved for rolling around in the grass. We may even need a third “getting dirty” harness soon!

🏅 Milestones

Hot off the press: Gus has passed his Gold assistance dog award with Adolescent Dogs! He’s now just awaiting his access test to begin accompanying our son at school.

We couldn’t be prouder of this goofy, loving pup and the difference he’s making every day. ❤️