A former police officer from Croydon who needed to go away the pressure after an injury has described how he discovered new goal in life because of the friendship and assist of a new dog.
South Croydon man Brian Hickman, 49, was medically discharged from the Met Police after he suffered a debilitating spinal injury whereas on the job that left him reliant on a wheelchair.
As he neared his leaving date, Brian stated he grew to become anxious with what the longer term would possibly maintain, realising that he wanted assist past that given by his spouse and daughters.
Then he discovered the charity Dog AID (Assistance in Disability) and thru the group met a volunteer dog coach who helped him practice Lily (pictured) to develop into a fulltime help dog.
Brian described Lily as “my little fluffy shadow, my guardian angel in her shiny yellow and purple jacket”.
“She picks up the submit, finds my telephone after I fall, alerts folks when I’m out if I need assistance and past this, she has given me my confidence again,” he added.
“She is my lifeline and I’d be misplaced with out her.”
After his discharge, discovering work with his incapacity was laborious for Brian, and he stated Lily helped immeasurably in that regard after she was absolutely educated and capable of be with him across the clock.
With her assist in the function he was provided a job as an examination invigilator at Trinity School in Croydon, serving to assist sure college students and calm their nerves throughout exams.
The introduction of Covid meant no exams had been held final yr.
However, the varsity as an alternative grew to become a website for Covid-19 testing in the neighborhood and Brian and Lily once more stepped in to assist out.
“Lily has been distinctive as she all the time is, because of the coaching of Dog A.I.D. Seeing Lily’s wagging tail and pleasant manner places folks comfortable immediately, making testing a lot simpler and extra environment friendly,” he stated.
“Without the charity Dog A.I.D and Trinity School, I might not have been capable of work, or exit on my own for the concern of needing help… I can not thank them sufficient.
“Having Lily means I’ve to consider her wants in addition to my very own, and understanding Lily wants train encourages me out the door on many days.
“Lily helps not solely me however brings happiness to many different folks’s lives as effectively.”
For extra details about Dog AID and particulars on the right way to assist them, click on right here.
