Cassie came into our lives when she was six months old; she had been bought by a busy professional family and ruled the roost! They quickly realised that you dog needed more input that they had time for, and so she came to live with me and my partner Paula. We wondered what we had taken on as she tore around the house, ripping up anything she could get her teeth on, and so began our battle to tame the spaniel! Having been made redundant, I decided to seize the opportunity and turn my passion for gardening into a career! I set up my own business, which quickly grew as people seemed to like the idea of a female gardener. Having had childhood arthritis which required extensive surgery to my left knee, to have an active job out of doors was almost a dream come true.

On the 1^st September 2007, I decided to take Cassie for a walk in the park before I left for work, as we strolled along, we were approached by a dog who jumped up at me dislocating my knee.  A trip to hospital followed for a relocation, and I went home with the usual advice that it would be sore for up six weeks, however two weeks later, the pain became unbearable and a rash developed on my knee.  I was sent back to the hospital by my GP, where I was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome. I was started on a course of medication, which included sleeping tablets and pain killers, as the weeks grew into months everything became very difficult and I became withdrawn and stopped going out alone. When I did go out with my partner I often had to return home prematurely due to panic attacks, which became increasingly severe.

We knew someone who had a disability assistance dog trained by Support Dogs and knew what a difference this dog made to my friends everyday life.  My partner and friend truly believed that Cassie could be trained and in doing so transform my life, I was little less convinced! After much consideration, I decided to apply.

“Cassie was not a natural, having led the life of a Queen I think coming to the training centre was a bit of shock to her system.” said her trainer, Fran.  “Cassie didn’t quite grasp the idea of doing things for you at first; in fact she looked quite horrified at the suggestion. It took her some time to take to the training, but once she got the hang of it she just took off. As her trainer it was so rewarding to see her going from strength to strength. I have to say I think I have seen the biggest change in her character and personality than I have in any of my dogs. She has turned so many corners has made such a difference to Sylv’s life, she just loves her work now. It is such a joy to watch her eyes brighten up and her little tail wag like crazy when Sylv drops something; she can’t wait to step in and pick it up for her. I am so proud of them both they make a fantastic team.”

One year on, whilst my condition has deteriorated Cassie has made a huge difference to our lives, I am able to go out with just Cassie or with Paula and Cassie, I have joined a gym to increase my upper body strength which will help with my mobility and I have started living again.