Byron’s A Star!
Kate Cross explains how an assistance dog called Byron has made a huge difference to her life.
My joints dislocate very easily, so if I bend down to pick something off the floor my shoulder tends to drop painfully out of joint. Since mid-September 2007, though, my shoulder dislocations have reduced from several a day to none at all – thanks to my new shadow, Canine Partner Byron!
Before Byron I hadn’t had the confidence, for a few years, to go into town on my own in my power chair – not since being used as football target practise by a group of abusive teenagers. It had been left to my parents – both in their 80s – to shop and do my banking business. Now I have Byron, we go into town twice a week and I do the shopping and banking for my parents! And the best bit? A group of teenagers who watched open mouthed as Byron jumped up to activate the switch to open the door into the building society. When we came out they asked me lots of questions, before telling me how cool we were!
And they’re not alone. In the past people wouldn’t talk to me and avoided eye contact. I felt like the invisible woman. Now hassled shoppers suddenly break into a smile as we walk by or they see Byron take something off the shelf for me. Checkout operators love it when they get me and Byron at their till.
NEW CHALLENGES
As a musician I visit different venues for rehearsals and concerts. Byron learned very quickly to settle down and lie quietly on his bed, but I was concerned how he might react to a concert using very unusual old instruments called sackbuts and cornetts. So my wonderful aftercare worker Julia came along to be on hand to take Byron out if he suddenly decided to join in the music-making! Why had I worried? Julia spent a pleasant afternoon listening to us rehearse the Monteverdi Vespers, while Byron behaved impeccably – moving only to change position occasionally and to pick up my pencil when I dropped it! At the end of the rehearsal he was immediately ready to fetch my crutches and help pack his bowl and bed away. His behaviour during the evening concert was equally impressive.
I feel much more confident and safe with Byron at my side. I feel valued, am generally more active than I used to be and can go out independently when I want. My husband Stuart has peace of mind while at work, knowing that Byron can fetch the phone for me if I fall. Oh – and Stuart no longer has to empty the washing machine for me, a job Byron loves! Nor does Stuart have to bring my crutches, pass the remote control or fetch my slippers. Byron does all that for me, tail wagging enthusiastically – all for a fuss and a bit of liver cake. Never worked when I tried that with Stuart!
I know that it has taken a lot of hard work by many people to get Byron to this stage. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone – volunteers and paid workers alike. I feel extremely proud and privileged to be a part of Canine Partners and to have Byron in my life. I can’t imagine life without him – he’s a star!
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For further information on Canine
Partners, please call 08456 580 480,
or visit www.caninepartners.co.uk.
