I was born with hypophosphatemia osteomalacia (Vitamin D resistant rickets). It is a rare degenerative condition which makes bones soft and thin and leads to early onset osteo arthritis causing constant pain and greatly effecting mobility, making even the simplest of everyday tasks difficult. As the disease progresses, life becomes increasingly difficult.

Life had become so painful that to get around outside of the house I had to use a powered wheelchair, and had stopped going out on my own. I was becoming more and more reliant on my husband and it was becoming obvious that I need his help during working hours so he would have to give up work.

One evening, I was watching television when I came across a programme featuring a charity called Support Dogs, they could train your own pet dog to assist in everyday tasks such, opening and closing doors, going for help, picking up dropped items, doing the laundry, fetching named items, etc. I already had a very young German Shepherd dog, Zeta, as a companion and wondered whether she would be suitable and could be trained to help me.

Eight months later Zeta graduated as a Support Dog and the transformation to my life was incredible. Everything changed, I could go out alone, I did not have to ask strangers for help all the time as Zeta was always at my side to lend a helping paw. I grew in confidence and re-gained my independence. Having my new found freedom, I wanted to give back to the charity that had helped me and started giving talks and attending fund raising events as well as doing media and radio interviews. We were filming at a large pet show, the cameraman was filming Zeta walking by my side which involved him walking backwards with the camera, he fell over a guy rope, Zeta simply looked at him as if to say, ‘Oh do get up and stop being silly’ which was so very typical of her. Sadly at only 5 years of age, Zeta went lame and was diagnosed with Arthritis, in the interest of her happiness and welfare, the decision was made to retire her and another GSD Zoe was found as her successor.

Zoe was eight weeks old, fat, furry and full of mischief, Zeta definitely had her paws full in her retirement! In and around the house, Zeta helped to show Zoe what her life’s work would entail. It wasn’t until she was six months old that our trainer came to visit to assess Zoe and commence her training. As I had already trained with one dog I knew a lot of what was required from an Assistance dog and had made sure I had begun some basic work with Zoe from day one.

As Zoe’s training progressed Zeta was happy to sit back and let the younger dog take over. Zeta developed a strong bond with my husband ray waiting each day for him to come home from work. After a year the hard work paid off when Zoe qualified as my second Disability Assistance dog. Zoe was a wonderful support and my best friend, she always knew when I was feeling down and would lay her head on my knee to cheer me up. I had a number of happy years with Zoe, unfortunately shortly after I had major surgery Zoe became overly protective of me and due to her age and length of service a decision was made to find a suitable successor.

I first met Baxter just before Christmas of 2006, he was a very cute eight week old yellow Labrador who had been donated to the charity by his breeder, it was love at first sight and he quickly settled in at home with Ray and the girls, Zeta and Zoe.

Baxter began his basic training, learning all the things you would teach a pet dog. He attended puppy classes at the local vets usually leading the other puppies into mischief! Every day we got him out and to experience the sights and sounds that he would later encounter as a working dog. When he was five and a half months old he attended the fundraising stand at Crufts where he was adored by many and took all the sights in his stride.

Following assessments, Marie, Baxter’s trainer began visiting regularly and at 12 months he went into residential training, where he built on the skills he has already learned. He left having earned his red ‘In Training’ jacket and was now able to accompany me wherever I went. Six months later Baxter qualified as my third Support Dog and when he reached two years of age he was fitted with a stabilising harness to help me keep my balance. This has prevented me from falling on numerous occasions and helps me to keep my independence.

Over the twelve years that I have been partnered with a Support Dog my needs have changed, although still in constant pain, my dogs keep me walking tall and upright, I do still use my wheelchair, however, only to facilitate me to do more in a day than I otherwise would be able to. Baxter does all the tasks that the girls did, but also has been taught more as I now need additional help with dressing and undressing which he does with gusto, in addition to this he goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Recently, due to increased instability I had yet another stumble which resulted in me falling into the bookcase and becoming wedged behind the door. No amount of training can truly prepare a dog for this kind of event, although initially Baxter was upset by this he quickly regained his composure, bought me a pillow and then fetched me the telephone so I could call for help, on initial assessment the medical professionals thought I had broken my neck, however the x-rays were very difficult to read due to the severe deterioration caused by my bone condition and I got away with severe bruising and broken fingers. He also recently helped me to get up when I had a fall in the park and was alone.

The only time Baxter leaves my side is for his daily walk with my husband and his beloved tennis ball. Baxter is my guardian angel and my best friend!