Top dog Frodo has proved he is definitely woman's best friend.

For the clever hound is always ready to lend a helping hand to his disabled owner, Stephanie Pengelly.

The two-year old Labrador can pick up the telephone, unload the washing machine, help her get dressed and fetch keys from the kitchen table.

Mum-of-three, Stephanie suffers from a rare form of hereditary paraplegia which confines her to a wheelchair or crutches.

But she is the first to admit her life has been turned-around by her faithful friend.

The 46-year-old mum-of-three, who lives in Alexandra Road, Great Wakering said: "I would not be without him. He is absolutely brilliant and loves to learn how to do things.

"When I am having a bad day and stay in bed, Frodo goes downstairs and fetches my post and newspaper.

"He can turn lights on and off with his paws and help me up if I fall.

"He also helps out with the washing. Frodo opens the door with his teeth, puts his head in, pulls it out with his teeth and into a basket. He can even pick up the telephone and bring it to me."

It is not only around the house that Frodo has proved worth his weight in gold, but when Stephanie needs to go shopping.

She added: "He will pick up things off the supermarket shelf. As long as he can get his teeth around something, he will get it down for me."

The pair have been inseparable since Stephanie got Frodo from the charity Canine Partners for Independence almost a year ago.

The organisation spends about 18 months teaching dogs like Frodo how to do a number of helpful chores.

Stephanie added: "He has made the world of difference to me and given me my life back.I simply love him to bits."

Right - Frodo is a great help in the kitchen

Left - picking up keys is not a problem with a helpful hound around the house

Pictures: STEPHEN LLOYD

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