Care dog transforms Watchet lady's life (From Somerset County Gazette)

Care dog transforms Watchet lady's life

2:00pm Monday 17th September 2012 in News By Daniel Milligan

A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer has described the care dog that transformed the way she lives as ‘her life’.

Jean Kent, 65, was diagnosed in 1985 and, prior to her illness, led an active life as an office manager.

But, as her condition worsened, she told the County Gazette she felt embarrassed to go outside.

The turning point for Jean was when she received care dog Nellie from charity Canine Partners.

Jean said: “I often looked like I was drunk because my balance was so poor and people would stare at me.

“Right from the start, Nellie came to me and I was the only one she could work with and we began our life together.”

Jean, from Watchet, explained how Nellie helps her go about everyday tasks, open doors, operate pedestrian crossings and picks items up that Jean drops.

She said: “As soon as I had Nellie by my side it was a different experience and people wanted to come up and talk to me about Nellie and what she does for me. “She’s my shadow – I suppose you could say we are like an old married couple.

“I can’t emphasise how much she means to me: she is my life – full stop. I feel content again in the safe and loving company of my beautiful dog Nellie.”