 small.jpg)
An assistance dog from Berkshire trained by the charity Dogs for the Disabled has been voted the nation’s top dog this week when they stole the show in the Crufts Friends for Life competition, the final of which took place on Sunday March 14th and was decided by public vote.
Eight year old, Sam Daly and his assistance dog Josie of Eton, Windsor, were trained by the charity Dogs for the Disabled, to give Sam the independence he is losing as a result of having a life-limiting disability.
Sam and Josie’s story touched the hearts of thousands of More4 viewers who saw the difference the little yellow Labrador has made to both Sam and his whole family’s life. Sam’s mum, Sara Daly said: “Thanks to Dogs for the Disabled, their trainers and volunteers, we are a happy family now. Josie has made all the difference to Sam, she’s a best friend and helper rolled into one.”
The pair have been together since Spring 2009 when Sam attended a two week training course with his Mum at Dogs for the Disabled’s national training centre in Banbury. Prior to getting his dog, Sam had become increasingly frustrated and depressed because of his disability. Josie, who was nearly two, had been specially trained by the charity and her skills and temperament had been matched to meet Sam’s needs. Sara explains how Josie’s personality has helped. “I remember when Sam first met Josie, this bubbly little dog with a wagging tail just went straight up to Sam and made a fuss of him. He was so pleased that they were going to be partnered together, everything has changed since Josie came along.”
Peter Gorbing, chief executive of the charity said: “We are delighted Sam and Josie have won this year’s Friends for Life competition, their story really goes a long way to highlight the impact that an assistance dog can have on a person’s life and I’m sure so many more people about our vital work as a result of their win.”
Dogs for the Disabled trains assistance dogs to offer greater independence and freedom to children and adults with physical disabilities and children with autism. The charity receives no government funding but relies on public donations to continue its work.
