Case Study: Millie starts school with her buddy dog

Starting primary school is a big step for any child but for Millie Hough it’s a real milestone.

Four year old Millie sufferers from Alstrom Sydrome, a rare genetic condition that means she has heart problems. She also suffers from photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light), is registered blind and, because of her illness, is prone to obesity.

The Buddy Dogs pilot is retraining dogs that aren’t quite suited to becoming fully fledge guide dogs. In Hobb’s case, he didn’t have the confidence he needed to become a guide dog.

In September, Millie started school with Hobbs. The golden retriever Labrador cross is now walking to school in St. Agnes in Cornwall every day with Millie and is always there with her Mum when she collects her at the end of the day. Hobbs has been given special permission to go onto the school grounds and is becoming familiar sight wearing his buddy dog coat. He attracts a lot of attention from the other children and has been helping Millie make friends.

Michelle Hough, Millie’s mother, explains:

“Before we got Hobbs, Millie was often reluctant to go outside and play with other children. Millie’s photophobia means it’s not very comfy for her to be outside, but because Alstrom Syndrome makes her prone to obesity it’s especially important she is active and does exercise.

Hobbs has given Millie the confidence to make friends and encourages her to go outside and play with other children. He’s also really helped her settle into school and the pair are popular among other pupils.”

Millie’s family applied for a buddy dog to help her overcome some of her health issues and to ensure she started school with a friend by her side.

In was April this year when Hobbs went to live with the family. He spent the summer getting to know Millie and helping her practise the walk to school.

Michelle, Millie’s mum, said:

“We started practising the walk to school with Hobbs and Millie over the summer. The pair also spent the summer building the bond that helped them when Millie started school.”

It’s not just Millie who Hobbs has been helping. His calm and loyal presence has helped Michelle cope with the pressures of having a disabled child.

“It’s been fantastic for me to be able to go for walks with Hobbs” added Michelle, who works for charity Alstrom Syndrome UK.

“And when I walk with him and Millie, he’s so well behaved I can fully concentrate on her.

We really can’t believe what a fantastic difference he has made to Millie and the whole family.”