A WOMAN who relies on her dog to give her full independence praised a “fantastic” pooch trainer who has helped her to find life-changing confidence.
Jodie Milne has Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD among other disabilities – but she never lets it get her down.
The 25-year-old also suffers from chronic pain, hyper mobility and sight issues – often making regular day-to-day tasks difficult.
Her beloved Golden and Labrador Retriever cross-breed, Disney, however, has given her the support she needs to take life head on with confidence and happiness.
To help with this she benefits from Dog AID - a charity which helps train pet dogs into fully-qualified assistance dogs to help their owners complete every day tasks.
Last year she began virtual training with Megan Taylor, who has a dual-purpose dog which helps her for both guidance and medical needs.
Read more:
- First look at new Colchester restaurant before it opens to revellers this week
- 'Great progress' being made at new £60m retail park featuring Aldi, M&S and B&Q
And the two finally got to meet for the first time.
Jodie, who lives in Dovercourt, said: “Megan helped me gain confidence with Disney and showed me how to teach him tasks to help with my disabilities, giving me the support I need.
“He has now passed his level one assistance dog training and is close to finishing level two - there are three levels to become fully qualified.
“Megan helped teach me and Disney so much and the working dogs even had time off for a run on the beach.
“It was fantastic to finally meet her and her dog Rowley.
“They showed me and Disney so much and I feel proud of all mine and Disney’s hard work with their support.
“Megan showed me with an assistance dog you can do so much more and gain an independent life, being able to travel and explore the world together knowing Disney will be my rock through it all.”
As part of the trainer’s trip to north Essex, Megan helped teach Disney to pick up items from the shelf in a shop and pass them to his owner.
The pair also practised skills such as recall, staying with distractions, food refusal and restaurant and public transport behaviour.
Jodie added: “Thanks to Disney and my family I have a happy life.
“I have so much planned for my future and Disney is a huge reason why I have the confidence to move forward in life and chase my dreams.
“He helps comfort, guide and calm me throughout the day.
“He is able to understand my needs with my other medical problems and reminds me of my medication times.
“He’s my world and my best friend.
“He is a calm, jolly, happy dog who loves to give big cuddles and kisses.
“He is smart and enjoys a challenge and learning new things.
“I’m so excited to be close to passing my level two exam and can’t wait to learn even more.
“I’m so lucky to have my best friend beside me the whole time.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here