Daily Mirror - 05.03.2020

mirror.co.uk THURSDAY 05.03.2020 DAILY MIRROR^31

DM1ST

amazing dogs who aRE up foR cRufts awaRd

healing hounds

Birmingham’s NEC. Lead dog handler

Lyndsey has witnessed children

waking from sedation to the presence

of the dogs. She’s also seen, like Oscar,

the first smiles from patients and chil-

dren taking their first steps as part of

rehabilitation thanks to the pooches.

The dogs escort children to theatre

to alleviate anxiety, provide distraction

to those undergoing procedures and

do meet-and-greets to youngsters and

families in the hospital. The amazing

animals also provide support to staff.

Lyndsey says: “What Leo loves is to

get to know a patient. I knew nothing

of Oscar’s diagnosis or condition and

it was suggested I should introduce

the dog to him.

“If we can give them that little bit

of magic to cling on to then that’s

really great. That smile meant

a lot to everybody. It’s

all about keeping the child

with a positive thought

process. Leo will trot in like he owns

the place. The dogs come in and

they are friendly faces. They’re not

there to persuade or cajole,

they’re dogs.

“We’re the bridge between the

healthcare team and the child.”

■ Vote for your favourites at:

http://www.crufts.org.uk/whats-on/

friends-for-life

[email protected]

@rhianlubin

Oscar, 3, was

suffering from

a serious brain

condition. As he

lay unresponsive

in hospital, the

doctors tried

one last thing...

thE finalists

grateful Zoe credits

Oscar’s recovery to Leo

pals

Oscar

and Leo

on the job

Leo helps out

another patient

golden

times

Poorly Oscar

smiles again

with Leo

leader

Lyndsey

Uglow

extraordinary life of a Working dog: Wolfie

Dog handler PC Louise McMullen and Wolfie the

German shepherd were pursuing armed robbers

when their vehicle crashed in November 2018.

The pair were seriously injured but Louise

dragged herself and Wolfie out of the flames. She

says: “We’ve gone through traumatic event.”

Wolfie retired with PTSD and now lives with her.

Hero support dog: Hearing dog Jovi

Jovi the hearing dog has completely transformed

29-year-old teacher Graham Sage’s life.

Over five years, Graham, of Oxon, has gone from

moderate hearing loss to being severe to profound.

Charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People paired

him with the cocker spaniel who helps at school

and at home. He says: “Jovi make me feel safer.”

Rescue dog Hero: syrian rescue dog Barrie

Sean Laidlaw, 32, was suffering from PTSD when

he pulled Barrie the crossbreed from the rubble of

a bombed school in Syria in February 2018.

That May the bomb disposal expert with the

Royal Engineers returned home but they were

soon reunited. He says: “It may come across that I

saved Barrie’s life, but she saved mine.”

Best Friends: ellie the crossbreed

When Hayley Byrne-Ingle was 17, her older sister

took her own life three days before turning 22.

But her dog Ellie became the only reason she

got up in the morning and helped to encourage

her to go to activities, which made her socialise.

She says: “Ellie is my life, she’s my rock. I

probably wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her.”

saved

Sean and

Barrie, and

right, in

Syria

survivor

Hayley and

‘rock’ Ellie

loyal chum

Wolfie with PC

Louise McMullen

work

Graham

and Jovi