19/09/2024
Guide dogs are such an amazing charity, thank you for everything they do- here is a post about my sister and her buddy dog! 🐶
“Heather helps me when it’s dark, and sleeps in my bed so I know where she is. She helps me at drama and helps me with my confidence – she is my biggest fan!” Amelia, 11.
Like many families across the country, the Boyes family from Lerwick, Shetland, will be tuning in to Strictly Come Dancing this season, which launched over the weekend. And for the first time, the show features a contestant who is blind.
Amelia, 11, had a sudden impact on her eyesight just one year ago. And mum Katie thinks the family will be particularly interested in the show this year as it features someone Amelia can relate to.
Amelia has an interest in performing and starred as Pinocchio in her local drama school’s summer show, involving acting, singing and dancing.
Mum Katie said: “The group have been really supportive to make sure she’s included. This was done with some simple adaptations, at times she might be in one position on the stage, or sitting, while others move around her, and the group are mindful not to make sudden changes to the layout. There’s also someone backstage to help Amelia find her way when moving on and off the stage.”
And the drama group have welcomed the newest member of the Boyes family – Amelia’s buddy dog Heather.
Katie said: “Amelia had given up a lot of her hobbies due to her sight, but with Heather by her side her confidence has grown so much. Heather goes to drama classes and lies under the table.”
Having only arrived with the family in June, yellow Labrador Heather has already made a big impact on the family.
“Amelia had difficulty sleeping after the initial onset, as she was scared of the dark. But now, Heather sleeps on bed next to her, and if Amelia gets up through the night for anything, Heather goes with her,” said Katie.
“There have been a lot of medical visits over the last year, which had affected Amelia’s confidence going places and speaking to people, but having buddy dog Heather gives Amelia a positive way to talk about her vision, as so many people will comment about Heather.
Heather’s been good for Amelia’s wellbeing too, as Amelia is out every day, walking with Heather, running and playing. All our children have gained so much from having her around.”
Buddy dogs are well-behaved pet dogs to support children with a vision impairment. Families may benefit from a buddy dog if they have a child aged 4-18 with a vision impairment (or someone up to the age of 25 if they also have additional support needs).
To find out more about whether a buddy dog would suit your family, and how to apply, visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk/buddydogs or call 0800 781 1444.
[Image description: Amelia, dressed as Pinocchio, with her buddy dog Heather, yellow, sitting at her feet.]
