A SPONSORED dog walk was held at Kimberley Park, Newport on Sunday to raise money for an autism assistance dog for a boy from Newport.
Owain Evans, four, of Malpas Road, was diagnosed with autism when he was two and his family are hoping that an assistance dog will aid his development.
Attended by 50 people and 15 dogs, the sponsored dog walk raised £670.
The money raised will go towards the eventual £6,000 cost of a golden retriever, Neo, who is currently staying with the Evans family.
Owain’s mother, Cheri Evans, 43, said the local community has been a great support to her family.
She said: “Owain is so happy and he has really taken to the puppy.
“The dog has to be trained in a cage, but Owain will be the first up in the morning to let him out at 6am. Neo’s brought Owain on brilliantly and the only thing Owain doesn’t like is Neo touching his toys.”
With the £500 deposit paid, Neo will return to Service Dogs Europe for his final 10 weeks of training when he is 12 months old. Mrs Evans said that Neo will prove an invaluable aid for Owain.
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