Chichester: 'Super' Dog Is A Life Saver
7 May 2014, 06:43 | Updated: 7 May 2014, 07:38
A 'super' dog from Chichester is now able to press his owner's careline button to call for help when she falls ill.
Barclay already empties the washing machine, helps with the shopping and takes his owner's shoes, coat and gloves off.
Tricia O'Brien has Multiple Sclerosis, a neurological condition, which affects around 100,000 people in the UK.
He was trained up for the 52-year-old by Midhurst based Canine partners and can 'tune in' to her feelings and know when she is ill.
After collapsing and even experiencing periods where she goes blind, Chichester Careline offered to install a panic button for Tricia at a height that Barclay could reach.
The lifeline unit means that Tricia can access help 24 hours a day, every day of the year. She said: “Because I fall a lot, Barclay has tuned into me and he knows when I start to feel unwell or unsteady. Now that he has been trained to press the alarm button that connects to Chichester Careline, it has given me even more reassurance that I always have access to help when I need it.
“I once woke up blind and tried to find my mobile and was pressing any number for help. Thankfully, I got through to my friend, but it made me realise I needed further support.
“I found out about Chichester Careline through Chichester District Council’s magazine ‘initiatives.’ The service is fantastic. My mother and father passed away a long time ago, but I wish they’d had the opportunity to access a service like this. It would have made such a difference. I keep telling other people about the service and many of them are now using it.
“Having both devices, plus the invaluable support from Barclay, has given my son so much more reassurance. He obviously worries about me, but having this level of support, allows me to live safely and independently and continue with my Foundation Art and Design Degree at West Dean College.
“Barclay is the best present I have ever been given, and I would not be without him.”