People often stop me and ask what such a small dog can do. It seems such a strange question when you know Billy because in Billy’s mind it’s more a case of what can’t he do when he puts his mind to it.

I first became aware of this during his training when Fran (Hill) explained how she wondered if such a small dog could pick up crutches and persevered in training Billy until he could place it right into her hand. Looking at the size of Billy, I didn’t think this was possible so I was amazed when she first showed him effortlessly picking it this cumbersome lump of metal that even I have problems with. My heart almost burst with pride and that was the moment that I first had an insight into exactly how much this little buddy of mine would to change my life for the better.

Every day he amazes me with the things he does. I can’t put into words how I feel when I ask him to do a simple task such as pull my socks off and his little eyes light up with excitement. It may only be a pair of smelly socks to you and me, but to Billy it’s another chance for him to do something for me and he genuinely loves doing it. He gets so excited it makes me laugh every time, so not only is he helping out physically but he’s also bringing fun and laughter into my day. He really loves his job and takes great pride in doing it.

One of the worst things about being disabled is having to rely on other people to do things and deal with the constant well-meaning offers to have everything done for you. My independence is one of the things I value most in life and Billy now makes this possible. Before he was trained as an Assistance Dog, I dreaded going out shopping where I frequently had to deal with problems such as dropping something and hence having to climb down clumsily onto the floor to pick it up. People either looked the other way not knowing whether to help or not, or fussed around me making a scene of it. I would cringe with embarrassment and as time went on, I went out less and less because of it.

Billy has changed this completely. When I drop something now, I’m proud to stand there and watch him pick it up for me and put it into my hand while his tail wags and eyes light up with enjoyment. If someone tries to pick it up first, he stands over it as if to say, “that’s my job!” and waits patiently for me to stop laughing before giving him the command to pick it up. Billy has given me back my independence that I thought was lost forever and no words are strong enough to express exactly how much that means to me.

I truly believe every dog is special and going though the Assistance Dog training has enhanced Billy’s special qualities. I am indebted to him for the things he does on a daily basis, such as opening and closing doors, fetching items, picking things up, taking off items of clothes, barking for help and Billy’s all-time favourite, emptying the washing machine, but there was something else that he learnt during the training that makes him even more special to me.

He has learnt to think for himself and predict my needs without waiting to be asked. When it goes dark, he turns the lights on so I’m not in the dark. When I leave the phone in another room or forget to pick up my mobile before going out, he will automatically bring it to my side. If I drop something outside without realising, he will bring it to me. When I’m out and not feeling well, he watches me constantly and won’t relax until I’m safe and OK. If I’m feeling ill, he will sit on the stairs until I go up to bed. And when I lie there in pain, he will cuddle up against my back until his body heat dulls the pain. I couldn’t manage without him and all he wants in return is lots of cuddles and the occasional tasty treat.

On the days that I’m overcome with pain, Billy curls up next to me and we have a lazy day in bed. He doesn’t fuss me for attention or pester me to get up, but just falls asleep contentedly next to me. The constant feeling of his heartbeat, the warmth of his breath against my skin and the gentle reassuring sound of his snores comforts my pain and replaces it with a happy realisation of how truly lucky I am. Without him, the days would be much darker indeed.

Not only am I grateful to Billy for his constant support, but also to everyone who has made this possible. From everyone who has generously donated money to fund the charity, the tireless fundraisers, generous sponsors and patrons, patient foster families and to every single wonderful one of you at Support Dogs that recognised the potential in my little terrier friend and looked after him so well, thank you from the bottom of my heart.