Rescue dog now Sarah's saviour

A precious pup looking for a home has become an assistance dog with an amazing talent for detecting health conditions in her new owner.

Support dog Jessie was rehomed from Logan City Council’s Animal Management Centre, and now lives her best life helping to take care of her owner Sarah Onyszczuk, who lives with disability.

In 2022, Sarah and mother Lizzie Chessell visited the Council’s rehoming centre in Kingston to find a puppy to train as an assistance dog, and chose Jessie.

What they didn’t realise was their adopted pet – a mix of beagle, kelpie and basenji – would become a marvel at being able to detect several of Sarah’s health conditions, including autism-related episodes.

Liz says Jessie actively monitors Sarah’s health and is a huge source of emotional support for her daughter, giving the 37-year-old the confidence to get back into the community.

‘Sarah used to spend most of her time playing video games in her room, but now that she’s got Jessie she regularly gets out in the community,’ Liz says.

‘Jessie is a very intelligent dog and since adopting her, Sarah has blossomed and her world has completely opened. Jessie has also helped Sarah find her voice.’

Sarah, who lives with visual impairment, epilepsy, autism, and functional neurological disorder, says Jessie helps to keep her calm and stable when she starts to feel anxious or upset.

‘Before I got Jessie I hardly ever left the house,’ Sarah says.

‘But now I have the confidence to go out because I know she will nuzzle me or put her paws on me when I need it.

‘I don’t know where I would be without her.’

Liz says her daughter used her own pension money to pay the $21,000 it cost to train Jessie as an assistance dog, often forgoing her own needs to do so.

‘I’m a big believer in not buying anything new, and that includes dogs,’ Liz says.

‘There are so many unwanted pets waiting for homes, and many dogs in Council’s adoption centre are diamonds in the rough like Jessie.’

In April, Liz, Sarah and Jessie returned to the Animal Management Centre to check out the $21 million redevelopment of the facility.

Liz wanted to tell the staff and others about the benefits of choosing to rehome and train an assistance dog from humble beginnings, just like Jessie, who has become the family’s ‘furever friend’.

‘As soon as Sarah takes off Jessie’s assistance vest her personality changes, she becomes more affectionate and makes us laugh with her antics,’ Liz says.

‘She’s truly part of our family and we can’t imagine life without her.’

To find which pets are looking for new homes, visit Pets available for adoption | Logan City Council

PHOTO AT TOP: Jessie the assistance dog came from humble beginnings at the Animal Management Centre, to develop her talent of detecting health conditions in owner Sarah Onyszczuk.

By Emily Toxward