08 December 2023 , 15:05
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This Christmas holiday will be extra special for one little boy and his family as they celebrate their first year together with the dog that changed their lives.
Nicole Dodd-Moore brought German Shepherd Buddy home last December as a companion for her son JJ, who has cerebral palsy and a vision impairment.
And over the past 12 months, the pair have formed an unbreakable bond. Nicole said: “JJ is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair. Before Buddy arrived, he found it difficult to express himself as he is unable to communicate. But we immediately saw the calming effect Buddy had on him. His presence has not only boosted the confidence of all our children but, in the face of JJ's communication struggles, has also provided him a means of self-expression.
"Buddy has brought our family closer, and we spend so much more quality family time together. The cuddles with Buddy have even opened up JJ to allowing others to embrace him, which is something he felt uncomfortable with before and means the world to us.
"He’s so caring and knows if one of us is having a bad day. He always waits by the front door for JJ to come home from school, or after a hospital visit.”
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JJ and Buddy (PA Media)Buddy came into the Northumberland family's life after Nicole contacted Guide Dogs for advice about how JJ would live with sight loss as he grew up.
She was browsing the charity's website and read about their buddy dog service, which gives kids with sight loss a canine companion.
Buddy dogs - including the aptly named Buddy himself - started out training to be guide dogs, but did not make the grade.
Instead they have a new role helping youngsters with a vision impairment develop their self-confidence, and boosting their wellbeing.
And it's certainly working for JJ and Buddy. Nicole added: “There was an instant connection, which was just magical to see. Even the buddy dog partnership specialist was surprised to see them bond so quickly I’ll never forget that day.
"I know everyone says this about their dog, but there really is no other dog like Buddy. He’s so soft and has the biggest heart."
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Former soldier Greg Para has one and says two-year-old Wallace loves belly rubs, cuddles, and sleeps happily alongside the family's pet dogs at home in Florida.
Greg said: “Wallace imprinted on us as he was only three weeks old when we got him. We had to bottle feed him so he became close to us.
“He was raised with two Jack Russell terriers so has many dog-like behaviours. He is house-trained, gentle and playful, he plays with stuffed animals and sleeps with the dogs.
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“He chewed the walls when he was younger but he has grown out of that. He listens well and comes when called and he comes to me to whine when he is hungry or tired.”
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Eve's eye pre-op (Eastcott Vet Referrals / SWNS)A dog who could not stop crying has a new lease of life after sight-saving surgery.
Great Dane Eve was dubbed Britain's saddest pooch because of her constant weeping, caused by a combination of serious eyelid conditions.
Eve's eye post-op (Eastcott Vet Referrals / SWNS)Owners Deborah Noakes and Justin Finning, who adopted her from a rescue and have four other Great Danes, took the partially sighted pet to Eastcote Veterinary Referrals in Swindon, Wilts, where vets carried out intricate surgery on her eyes.
Deborah said: "Her quality of life has massively improved since her operation. She is much happier in her skin and so much more confident now."
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