ECHO the golden retriever could well be the Gold Coast’s smartest dog.

He can load the washing machine, take money out of a wallet to pay for groceries and open cupboards.

But most importantly for Gail Harbott, 59, he can pull her wheelchair along which allows her some independence.

“He takes off my shoes and socks,” Ms Harbott said.

“He presses the buttons on the tram to open and close the doors.

media_camera Echo the dog picks up the purse from the kitchen table for Gail Harbott at her residence in Pacific Pines, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

“He can also get things off the shelf at the shops.”

Echo was the first puppy to be trained by prisoners through a special two-year program in a New Zealand jail — Puppies in Prison.

In 2009, he was placed with Ms Harbott and they moved to the Gold Coast after the Christchurch earthquakes.

media_camera Gail Harbott and her service dog Echo, who was trained in New Zealand by prisoners, at her residence in Pacific Pines, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

“These dogs allow you to stay independent — to be out in the community,” she said.

“They’re not a security dog but they make you feel secure because you have someone with you.

“When you’re in a wheelchair, a lot of people won’t even acknowledge you but with Echo, it just opens up a whole new world.”

After seven years of service, Echo will retire due to illness and Ms Harbott will travel to New Zealand this week to be paired with a new dog.

media_camera Gail Harbott and her service dog Echo, who was trained in New Zealand by prisoners, at her residence in Pacific Pines, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

“Echo is going to stay with my family on the Gold Coast,” she said.

“He’s my best friend.

“I can be in bed sick, crying and he’ll get on the bed and he’ll lick my tears away.”

Ms Harbott explained it was lengthy process to find a good mobility dog.

“We’ve got to do oral and written exams every year to stay certified to have a mobility dog,” she said.

media_camera Gail Harbott and her service dog Echo, who was trained in New Zealand by prisoners, at her residence in Pacific Pines. Picture: Regi Varghese

“The dogs have to perfectly match a person’s temperament, to their way of living.

“We’re a working team.”

Ms Harbott said she applied for a dog through Assistance Dogs Australia late last year but it had closed its waiting list and was not taking any new applications.