Furever Homes chairwoman Donna Keir said 81-year-old Shirley Birt moved to an Invercargill City Council flat last weekend after 14 years of being on the waiting list.
Securing a long-awaited home was welcomed by the woman, but it came with a huge cost for her — she had to separate from her dog Daisy.
Mrs Birt had owned the dog since it was born nine years ago and they have been together "through thick and thin".
Daisy became her family and had given comfort and helped her owner through tough times, including the death of her husband, she said.
"Daisy holds an irreplaceable role in Shirley’s life.
"Separating from Daisy fills Shirley with immense distress, worry and a feeling of loneliness."
Mrs Birt’s doctor wrote a letter expressing concern for her health, as she would now require anxiety medication due to their separation.
Ms Keir said Mayor Nobby Clark was approached and he advised Mrs Birt to take the unit and said the matter would be brought to the council.
This issue was discussed during an infrastructure and projects committee meeting yesterday.
"Declining the flat means another two-year wait, and time is not on their side," Ms Keir said.
"She [Daisy]'s never left her owner's side, sleeping on the bed at night and a loyal companion throughout the day."
The council policy allowed for tenants to keep a cat, bird or fish but excluded tenants from having a dog.
The rescue charity was pleading with the council to make an exception due to the emotional stress the resident had been through.
Mrs Birt had plans in place in case of hospitalisation or if anything happened to her, Ms Keir said.
"We believe this rule needs amendment by stating that cases of dogs accompanying residents should be considered on a case-by-case basis with a pet bond put in place.
"One size does not fit all in these situations."
Councillors agreed the matter should be looked at as dogs were an important part of people’s lives.
It was important for elderly people to be able to take their pet with them during this part of their lives, mana whenua representative Evelyn Cook said.
They voted in a recommendation to allow changes in the council’s policy which would allow companion dogs to be in council flats with a series of rules.
They asked staff to work on a detailed proposal to be presented and voted on at the next council meeting.
