Rottweiler changes life of Taunton pupil (From Somerset County Gazette)

Rottweiler changes life of Taunton pupil

4:10pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News

THE life of an eight-year-old boy who struggles to make friends has been turned around by a Rottweiler.

Riley Dixon was unable to hold a conversation with anyone because of his stammer until he was befriended by his new pet, Kasey.

The dog has helped Riley overcome his temper tantrums brought on by ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, which alienate other children who do not understand his condition.

Riley’s delighted mum, Linzi, said: “Kasey is the only creature Riley has ever bonded with – other children don’t understand him.

“When he’s getting agitated, she’ll go and sit with him and calm him down.

“The change in Riley since we got Kasey is incredible. She’s completely changed his life.”

Riley, who lives with his family in Pyrland Avenue, Taunton, used to regularly scream and shout until the family adopted Kasey from Rottie Friends Rescue, based at Ham, near Wellington.

“Now he comes home from school, sits down with her and reads her his school books,” said Mrs Dixon.

“Before, he couldn’t communicate well with other people and didn’t bond with anyone or anything.

“Now he can’t wait to cuddle up to Kasey. He says, ‘I love her because she loves me, too’.

“He trusts her totally and it’s like she’s got a sixth sense when Riley is getting upset. She’s his shadow.

“She went away for a week when we had some building work done and Riley was out of control again until she came home.”

Riley attends Wellsprings Primary School and has two brothers, Tyler, nine, and Oliver, three,