Stories

Kate and Kiwi have been partners for more than seven years. Upon meeting, she never could have imagined the impact that Kiwi would have on every facet of her life. Kiwi performs many tasks—retrieving items, carrying bags, and taking off Kate’s jacket, just to name a few. Beyond physical assistance, Kiwi has changed the way others relate to Kate as a person with a disability. Before Kiwi, Kate would see people, especially children, staring at her in her wheelchair. Now, children stare, but they are so excited to see Kiwi. Thanks to Kiwi, joy and curiosity replace fear and uncertainty when strangers see someone different than them. Kate and Kiwi are inseparable, and Kiwi is there for every major milestone. While at work, Kiwi is the star of the office, and Kate loves telling new people every day about what Kiwi can do, how CPL trained her, and just how much Kiwi has changed her life.