Introducing Mahe, a highly trained assistance dog who has made a significant difference in the life of a 9-year-old autistic boy from Wellington, New Zealand.
According to James’ mother, Michelle Isaac, his black Labrador is always by his side. Even though James is nonverbal and avoids physical contact and eye contact with others, he happily cuddles with his 3-year-old dog. Recently, the inseparable pair gained thousands of fans on the internet when photos of the dog refusing to leave James’ side at a hospital went viral. James went to the Wellington Children’s Hospital on February 9th for an MRI scan to determine the cause of his unexplained seizures.
Mahe, a support dog, accompanied James Isaac, a 9-year-old boy who underwent an MRI scan at Wellington Children’s Hospital in New Zealand to identify the cause of his seizures. Isaac shared that the hospital staff were incredibly supportive and allowed Mahe to join James on the bed to keep him relaxed. During the anesthesia process, Mahe placed his nose close to James’ face and appeared concerned. While James was in the MRI room, Mahe stayed with Isaac and provided comfort as she felt shaky after witnessing James being put to sleep. Mahe then joined James during his recovery, jumping on the bed to lay with him until he woke up.
Accompanied by his assistance dog, Mahe, 9-year-old James Isaac visited the Wellington Children’s Hospital in New Zealand to undergo an MRI scan and determine the cause of his seizures. Mahe has not only transformed James’ life but also impacted the entire family, according to Isaac.
“Our family had become somewhat reclusive before we got Mahe,” she expressed. “It had become challenging to go out as James didn’t want to hold our hands all the time or be restricted, making outings even more stressful and anxiety-inducing for him and us.”
However, with Mahe, James is now tethered to her jacket using a belt, which has given him “far more freedom to explore his environment safely,” according to Isaac. “We found that James enjoys outdoor activities so much more now, and as a family, we can participate in our community again.”
Mahe, a helpful canine, went with James Isaac, a 9-year-old patient, to Wellington Children’s Hospital in New Zealand. There, James underwent an MRI scan to determine the root cause of his seizures.
According to her, the furry friend has greatly influenced the way people perceive James. Prior to Mahe’s arrival, it was a struggle as strangers would stare and make assumptions about James’ behavior. It was evident that people were thinking, “What’s wrong with that kid?” But with Mahe by his side, things have changed for the better.
Despite still receiving attention from onlookers, Isaac noted that the situation has improved significantly. Nowadays, people are more likely to approach them and express admiration for their dog, asking about its role in assisting James. Overall, the interaction with others has become much more positive.
Mahe, a furry helper dog, joined James Isaac, a 9-year-old patient, during his MRI scan at Wellington Children’s Hospital in New Zealand. The medical procedure was necessary to determine the root of James’ recurring seizures.
Michelle expressed her deep appreciation for the organization called Assistance Dogs New Zealand (ADNZ). They trained Mahe as a young puppy to cater to James’ unique requirements.
A representative from ADNZ expressed their delight with the fact that James and Mahe’s story has resonated with so many people. They believe that this story can help raise awareness about the challenges that families with an autistic member face on a daily basis, and highlight the enormous benefits that a well-trained and suitable dog can provide to both the individual and their loved ones.
