When Zoe talks about her dog Hatti, her face could literally light up a room. Zoe is thirteen and was born with Achondraplasia which affected the growth of her limbs. In 2006, Zoe became paralysed from the chest down as a result of an operation on her spine. Hatti, a friendly and enthusiastic chocolate Labrador has given Zoe the friend and helper she so desperately needed.
Says Zoe, “Hatti is my best friend, she’s just fun to be around – I think she makes me laugh every day, but just knowing that she’s there has helped me feel better again. I used to be scared to be on my own. So scared, I wouldn’t even spend time in my own bedroom.”
“Hatti has changed all that, she’s very clever and I know that if I need anything she’ll be there to help me. When I applied to Dogs for the Disabled I remember asking to have a dog to give me companionship and friendship. I wanted a dog of my own to help not just me but my whole family. That’s exactly what Hatti’s done. She can pick things up for me so my Mum doesn’t always need to be around. Most of all she makes me feel safe– if I need her to she can get my Mum in seconds – even if it’s the middle of the night.”
Zoe’s mum Helen agrees: “The longer Zoe and Hatti are together the more Zoe’s confidence grows. She’s becoming more independent all the time – I’m really proud of what they’ve achieved and can’t thank Dogs for the Disabled enough for what they’ve given us.”
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