Cute Button more than a best friend
The adorable shoulders of Button, a four-month-old Labradoodle, will soon hold an enormous responsibility.
Aged one, Button will be trained as an assistance dog for wheelchair-bound Eleanor Beidatsch.
Ms Beidatsch, 23, has muscular atrophy type 1, a degenerative disease which causes her muscles to grow weaker.
However, the disability has not hindered Ms Beidatsch from pursuing tertiary studies — she is studying a double major in biology and marine science at UWA Albany.
Ms Beidatsch has been rewarded for her dedication to overcoming diversity and completing her studies with a $12,500 Young Australian League scholarship.
Part of the scholarship fund will be used to purchase and complete Button’s training.
As Ms Beidatsch’s condition deteriorates, Button will be required by her side at all times.
“(Button) will act as an alarm if I need anything,” she said.
“She will learn to open doors, put things on my lap and do simple adjustments (to my body).”
YAL scholarships are awarded to students who have overcome hardship and adversity.
Ms Beidatsch will use the rest of the funds to cover part of her university studies and the cost of travel to NSW twice a year for assessments.
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