This adult has a very rare life limiting disease. He has always stood for the rights of disabled people, which has caused him at times to put his health at risk, due to the fight causing intensive stress.
His illness is an inherited metabolic disease which is diminishing his muscles. He has constantly fought over the years to escape himself being confined to a wheelchair, but sadly his disease is progressing.
He has always had a dog as a companion, and due to the needs of the dog to support him, it has always been a large breed to support his weight at times.
Sadly the pandemic caused disruption in their life, along with millions of others.
He has been in dispute with his local council for many years over discrimination towards himself, which has been exhausting and life threatening, but he will not allow them to continually behave in this way towards people.
To further gain some independence, he needs more support from his dog. He was assessed by the charity DOGAID, who said they would train his dog, once he had the electric wheelchair.
The electric wheelchair that was coming through his local council is still awaiting after at least 3yrs. Even though he did get to be assessed for one in July 2020, and was advised it would probably be November 2020 when he would receive. Unbelievably his council have no information of what happened to this referral.
His dog Ralph, is specifically bred to support people in varying aspects.
They have been together since Ralph was 8 weeks old. They both have special requirements which makes them well suited.
Ralph is 3 now, his training window is getting smaller. If this pair were separated from each other it would be end of both of them. Neither would survive the heartbreak.
Ralph presently attends a dog school in Yorkshire 2 days a week which is funded privately, and supports Ralph to socialise with other dogs, plus learn some basic skills.
Like many people I am an animal lover, dogs are much happier in life having a purpose.