A DOG has helped turn around the life of a Wiveliscombe man left depressed after he was paralysed by a swine flu jab.
Noel Binding, 58, ended up in a wheelchair after a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, which he was advised to get as he is diabetic, a decade ago.
Unfortunately, it caused his immune system to attack his nervous system, starting with his legs. He lost the ability to walk and has no feeling in the lower half of his body.
Noel, a father of three grown-up children, was given an intensive course of immunoglobulin to boost his immune system, which saved his upper body.
But he was in hospital for four months, followed by two months of treatment, and was forced to take early retirement from his job as a Co-op lorry driver.
Almost overnight, Noel went from being fit and healthy to using a wheelchair and being dependent on others to get dressed, wash himself and go out.
He became depressed and began to withdraw from the world.
Noel said: "I was becoming a recluse. Most days I’d shut myself at home because there was no reason to go out and I felt like people were looking at me."
Noel found out about the charity Dogs for Good at a disability show and applied for an assistance dog.
Two years ago he was matched with black Labrador Arthur.
Noel said: "The first day I met Arthur, he came bounding in. He was so lively and such a great character."
Arthur’s training enables him to help Noel with practical tasks such as picking up dropped items, opening and shutting doors and pulling off items of clothing such as socks, gloves and coat. He even fetches the phone.
As well as the practical assistance, Arthur has also boosted Noel’s mental health.
Noel added: “He’s a fantastic companion, so loyal. He loves me to bits and I feel the same way about him. He definitely helped to pull me out of my depression.
"People look at him now when we are out, so I feel much less self-conscious.
"He’s changed me completely, I’m out and about all the time and I’ve even got involved with raising funds for Dogs for Good."
Noel and his wife Shirley have set up the Dogs for Good Devon and Somerset Supporters’ Group and have already raised £2,556 through various activities.
Noel said: "Someone raised money to get me a dog, so I just felt it’s my turn to do the same for someone else.
"Raising funds for Dogs for Good gets me out and about meeting new people, it’s great fun and very rewarding.
"There’s only four of us running the group at the moment and a few more helping hands would be great.
"There’s no minimum commitment, so even if you can only spare an hour or two a month, that would be a huge help."
For more information about the Devon and Somerset Dogs for Good Supporters Group e-mail rosie.blanning@dogsforgood.org or phone 0117-2033213.
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