MAXINE & PAUL HELMLING

We are Maxine and Paul Helming and are both members of the Lions Club of Victor Harbor & Port Elliott with us both serving for 45 (Paul) and 33 (Maxine) years. After moving to South Australia from New South Wales in August 2024, we were eager to explore the Puppy Foster Care program. Having been long-time supporters of ALHD, the move gave us the perfect opportunity to take the next step. We have both been in clubs that have sponsored puppies and I (Maxine) had worked with Hearing Dog ‘Katie’ in Canberra, and then Hearing Dogs Lily and Corrine with the follow-up process once we moved to SA. Last year we were proud puppy foster parents of Ollie, a gorgeous Border Terrier who has recently entered his full-time training.

Raising a future Assistance Dog has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling projects we’ve participated in as Lions. We loved taking Ollie down to the local coffee shops and restaurants to let him experience the passing traffic as well as other dogs passing by. The interest people showed in Ollie wearing his puppy training coat was a conversation opener that gave us the opportunity to talk about the wonderful work of Lions Clubs and ALHD. As well as letting the community know what these puppies are trained for.

Watching Ollie grow and progress in his training has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that the socialisation experiences we provided helped shape him into a confident, well-rounded puppy with a wonderful personality fills us with pride. These qualities will undoubtedly make a meaningful difference in his future home with his recipient. We feel proud that our commitment to his initial training and ongoing training has helped Ollie fit into his Assistance Dog training. This program aligns perfectly with our values as Lions, as it provides a service that truly improves the quality of life for its recipients. It also helps raise awareness in the community about the impactful work Lions Clubs do, which is incredibly rewarding.

Caring for a puppy came with its responsibilities, but we genuinely looked forward to taking Ollie to his fortnightly training sessions. Meeting up with our Puppy Socialisation Instructor was always a highlight—not just for us, but for Ollie too. His excitement was infectious, with his nonstop wagging tail and charming puppy smile lighting up the moment.

While the program required commitment, dedication, and attentive care to help Ollie succeed, it was an immensely rewarding experience every step of the way. When it came time for Ollie to enter full-time training, the process was bittersweet but fulfilling. We are very proud of Ollie and are so excited to watch him grow in his full-time training.

To anyone considering becoming a foster carer, we wholeheartedly encourage you to get involved. Speak to other carers, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to learn. We also encourage Lions Clubs to consider sponsoring a puppy—it’s a meaningful project that brings the community together and changes lives. While fostering requires responsibility, it’s a rewarding experience that can easily fit around family life and even holidays. We’ve found immense joy in including our family in the journey and would love to see more clubs supporting their members who take part in this incredible program.