7-year-old Sophie from the Isle of Wight has been given an emotional and physical boost thanks to her loving Ability Dog, Trixie.
The local youngster has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus (a build-up of fluid on the brain) and autism. Throughout her young life, she has had to undergo many hospital visits for numerous tests. In addition, Sophie’s ability to walk any distance unaided is limited.
Sophie’s mother, Gemma, applied to Ability Dogs 4 Young People back in 2016 hoping that Sophie would one day be able to have an Ability Dog. The aim was to help Sophie with her anxieties as well as with practical tasks. Additionally, the hope was that an Ability Dog could offer Sophie some stability to aid with her walking.
In January this year, at a ‘Paws 4 U’ session, Sophie met Trixie, a then 19-month-old chocolate Labrador. Trixie had been through her puppy training and was just beginning her Ability Dog training. But when Sophie met Trixie, their instant bond was apparent. Shortly after that, Trixie was matched with Sophie and Ability Dogs Trainer, Hester, started training Sophie and her family how to work with Trixie.
Trixie is already helping Sophie by giving her confidence and companionship. This was no more apparent than in February, when Trixie first went to the hospital with Sophie. Here, for the first time ever, the hospital were able to complete EEG tests that they had tried to do twice before. Sophie knew Trixie was there for her, which made a big difference in keeping Sophie calm. There were lots of hugs for both of them afterwards.
The beautiful chocolate Lab has also being trained to help as a ‘balance’ for when Sophie is out and about. She will help with practical tasks, like picking things up and helping with dressing. It may be that she will learn to alert Sophie’s family to epileptic seizures.
Trixie had her first sleepover with Sophie in March, which was another landmark step in their relationship. The confidence and happiness that is being shown by Sophie when Trixie is around is a joy to see. Then on 5th April, Trixie moved in with Sophie and is now her official Ability Dog.
Gemma, Sophie’s mother said:
“It is wonderful to see Sophie being so relaxed and happy around Trixie. Understandably, Sophie gets very anxious when she has to go to the hospital. It is a lot for anyone to comprehend, let alone a young child. The difference when we have Trixie with us is something I didn’t think I would see.”
Carol Court, Founder and CEO of Ability Dogs 4 Young People said:
“The bond between Sophie and Trixie is amazing. It was a case of ‘love at first sight’ for them both. Sophie is an incredible young girl with a huge amount to cope with and she is a perfect match for Trixie, who is a very special young Labrador.”
Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW is an Island charity which trains assistance dogs to improve the lives of physically and mentally disabled young people and children on the Isle of Wight. If you think you can help by fundraising or are interested in becoming a Puppy Parent then visit www.abilitydogs4yp.org.uk, email [email protected] or phone 01983 216246.
