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The fate of wheelchair-bound Dominique Kogut and her assistance dog Miss Sophie has captured the hearts of many. Since the considerable costs of 25,000 euros for her four-legged helper were not paid yet, the 27 year old Bochum resident feared that she would have to give the dog up. Thanks to Fressnapf’s support, funds have now been secured, meaning that Miss Sophie will stay with Dominique. The pair is and will remain an inseparable team.
Miss Sophie was only living with the diminutive woman on trial. Dominique could not muster together the amount required to pay the association Vita Assistenzhunde e.V. for Miss Sophie’s intensive training. But she found active help – Fressnapf and the Tengelmann Group each donated 6,000 euros several weeks ago, a first contribution towards the cost of the assistance dog. Musical star Bernie Blanks also organised a much-applauded benefit concert, “Don't stop believin'” on August 28th in Bochum in support of Dominique and Miss Sophie. Internationally successful musical stars donated their singing talents and passion for the human-animal team and their future together. However, the total amount raised was 5,000 euros short of their goal. Fressnapf CEO Torsten Toeller responded immediately and promptly contributed the remaining amount. “We cannot let our donations and the fantastic dedication of Bernie Blanks and his team be for nothing” explains Toeller. “It was only natural for Fressnapf to step up and gladly donate the remaining amount.”
“I can't imagine life without Miss Sophie any more. A huge thank you to everyone for your fantastic support and making my dream of living with an assistance dog come true,” says Dominique Kogut, overjoyed. The Golden Retriever lends a helping paw in everyday life, closing doors, turning lights on and off and opening cupboards. Wheelchair-bound Dominique cannot count on financial support from her health insurance. Publically insured patients with a disability are not legally entitled to an assistance dog as these only help in some areas of daily life. Miss Sophie was trained by Vita Assistenzhunde e.V. for two years. There are currently 25 human-dog teams of this kind in Germany. These smart and highly trainable canines enable their owners to live an independent life. The waiting list for an assistance dog is accordingly long – 70 applicants are waiting for a four-legged helper make their lives easier and fuller.


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Dominique Kogut with Miss Sophie RGB - JPG Dominique Kogut with Miss Sophie: Thanks to Fressnapf, wheelchair-bound Dominique can meet the considerable costs of 25,000 euros for her assistance dog. Download (462KB)

Fressnapf spokesman Achim Schütz RGB - JPG Fressnapf spokesman Achim Schütz announces that Fressnapf will contribute the remaining 5,000 euros to fund the assistance dog at the "Don't stop believin'“ musical benefit gala. Gala organizer Bernie Blanks (left) and his fellow musical stars are thrilled. Photo: Michael Peddinghaus Download (466KB)