The dog who has helped Anne retain independence
WHEN he is not at work, Eben enjoys taking long walks, running around the parks of Harborough and going for a swim in the canal, just like any other dog.
But two years ago, Eben fulfilled his destiny to become a rather extraordinary dog, when he was paired with wheelchair-bound Anne Pridmore to act as an assistant to for the rest of his life.
Eben has been training for his role as a helper to the disabled ever since he was an eight-week-old puppy.
He was selected for the training programme with dogs for the disabled provider, Canine Partners, because of his strong desire to be around people, his curious nature and his gentle and steady temperament.
Although he was paired with a puppy parent to take him through his training, it was not until he was three that he met his companion-to-be.
Anne Pridmore (70) has been confined to a wheelchair for 20 years, having had cerebral palsy at birth. She had been looking for an assistance dog ever since attending a Canine Partners stand at an exhibition.
After applying to be considered for a partner, Anne attended a training day where she first met Eben.
"From the first moment I was asked to do some exercise with Eben I really loved him," she said. "He is such a large and handsome dog that when I was matched with him, I felt so privileged."
As well as being a round-the-clock companion, Eben is trained to help Anne in ways which mean she is able to be more independent.
Anne is restricted in how much she can do herself. Although she has 24-hour care at her home in East Street, Harborough, from a team of personal assistants, Eben is able to help her with smaller tasks.
If Anne drops something, Eben is able to pick it up for her and she has also been able to train him to fetch the remote control for her television.
Eben's button-pressing ability makes life easier on Anne when they are out together. He can call them lifts or open the doors at the bank or other places where an access button is provided.
Anne said: "He has never succeeded in pressing the pelican crossing button though, as his feet are too big, but he does keep trying."
Whenever they are at the supermarket it is Eben who handles the payment. "He will pass the lady my purse and then he passes it back to me," explained Anne.
As well as helping to care for her, Eben is able to help her to take care of him. If he wants to go outside he can open the door, if he is hungry he can bring his bowl to the carer and when Anne is ready to walk him he will fetch her his lead and harness.
Anne said: "The main thing I think Eben gives to me is I feel like I can go out on my own with him."
Although disabled dogs are becoming more common across the country, there are still a lot of people who mistake Eben for being a dog for the blind.
"When I came out of the theatre recently a man approached me and said 'I was just wondering whether you got anything out of it as you couldn't see any of it?' I felt like slapping him . They wouldn't let me drive a wheelchair if I couldn't see!"
Anne works as an unpaid campaigner for the human rights of disabled people and operates a website, www.beingtheboss.co.uk for disabled people who employ their own personal assistants, support workers or carers.
"When you have a dog, you're never lonely. People, they talk to you more than when you're with your PA. When the PA is there they talk to them instead of you."
Canine Partnerships gets no Government funding and is entirely dependent on donations. To find out more, visit www.caninepartners.org.uk.
Alternatively if you are interested in fundraising for the charity and would like to know more, Anne is happy to speak at group meetings.
Over the years Anne has served on many forums, campaigning for the rights of disabled people nationally and within the EU, so she is used to public speaking.
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Friday 18 May 2012
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