In the email, Ms Morrison detailed how the loan would enable Golly to continue to provide her companionship, emotional support, reducing her stress levels and sense of loneliness. However, Ms Barry had a change of heart after the Otago Daily Times asked her yesterday why the loan request was declined. When Ms Morrison first raised the issue with her, Ministry for Social Development, officials were unable to identify Ms Morrison to review her situation, Ms Barry said. Ms Morrison said she was ‘‘over the moon’’ and ‘‘very grateful’’ the minister reversed her decision. She hoped the decision would spur other pensioners with pets and struggling to pay vet bills to approach the ministry for a loan.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 20, 2017 19:52 UTC