A buddy dog for Abigail

The slogan ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ could not be more apt than for young Abigail Lewis, who was paired with buddy dog Ursula in December 2010. Blind in one eye and with only very limited sight in the other, Abigail is hoping to become more independent in the future with the help of a guide dog. Her partnership with Ursula is helping to bring that dream several steps closer.

Ten-year-old Abigail, from Stafford, has a condition called neurofibromatosis, which has caused two tumours to form in her brain. One of the tumours has destroyed the optic nerve, robbing her of her sight.

Abigail’s parents first approached Guide Dogs in 2010 to find out what support was available. Abigail is not quite ready for a guide dog but the new buddy dog scheme offered a great opportunity. With the help of a buddy dog, blind and partially sighted children gain confidence and vital mobility and communication skills. They also learn how to look after the dog, preparing them for guide dog ownership in the future.

The scheme makes use of dogs that have been trained by Guide Dogs but are not suited to working as a guide dog. In Ursula’s case, this was due to her high body sensitivity, which meant that she was not happy wearing a guide dog harness.

Ursula joined the Lewis household before Christmas 2010, and Abigail says: “She’s wonderful, very funny when she nuzzles up to me. She’s one of my best friends.” Despite their blossoming friendship, Abigail knows that Ursula is not just a pet and takes the responsibility of helping to care for her and exercise her very seriously.

It is hard for Abigail to get around independently but, thanks to Ursula, she now has the confidence to walk to school a few paces ahead of her mum. Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Howard Jones, has worked with Abigail’s mobility officer at Stafford educational services to help Abigail use a long cane safely while also holding Ursula’s lead. Abigail's mum, Sara, explains: “Abigail and I used to hold hands walking to school but now Abigail walks on slightly ahead with Ursula. She’s more confident now and is happier at school.”

Having a buddy dog has given Abigail and her family a real hope that Abigail can live independently as a guide dog owner when she is older. Quite simply, as Abigail explains: “I’ll be able to get on with my life.”