A letter to… My best friend
Dear Stowe,
It’s hard to imagine a time before I had you in my life.
Those days, before you woke me up in the morning by licking my hand and joined me on strolls, were a dark time for me.
Since 2007, I struggled with my health.
It began with ME, a type of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Then I started having problems with my joints.
In 2015, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos joint hypermobility syndrome.
And then I began having recurring dizzy spells and blackouts, too.
These moments sprung out of nowhere.
One minute, I’d be fine…
The next, I’d be on the floor.
I’d often sprain my ankle, cut my head, end up covered in bruises.
All because I’d collapse without warning.
And soon, all confidence lost, I became afraid to leave the house alone.
I relied on my parents Jane, 54, and John, 59, for everything.
It wasn’t until January 2017 that a specialist gave me a name for my condition.
‘You have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)’ he said. It’s an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs after sitting up or standing. For me, a main trigger was a sudden increase in temperature.
Walking into a hot shop in winter or sitting in direct sunlight in summer could cause me to faint.
And, other than those clues, I’d have no way of stopping an episode. Terrifying.
But then the strangest thing happened.
Round a friend’s house one day, I fainted.
And as I lay on the floor, her yellow Labrador Jess, ran straight over and licked my face to bring me round.
‘It’s like she knew,’ I said afterwards.
By then, I’d already heard of the work Medical Detection Dogs were doing.
But I’d been worried that a dog couldn’t help me.
Now, I applied and went on a training day. And that is where I met you, Stowe.
The cutest black Labrador I had ever seen.
You were only 1 then, a playful, adorable pup.
Yet, instantly, I felt a connection.
So, as part of the training, we headed out into town.
Of course, there was no telling how you’d react if I did collapse.
Then, as we walked through the aisles of Morrisons supermarket, I fainted.
When I woke up, you were by my side, licking my face.
Usually, I’d feel selfconscious after an episode, aware of every trolley whizzing past and face staring down.
But, on that day,
I didn’t care.
With you there, I’d never felt so calm.
I knew then that you were the one for me.
In August 2018, once you’d finished your training, I was able to bring you home full-time.
Of course, I continued to have episodes.
Only this time, things were different...
You could sense when
I was about to faint, give me a five-minute warning.
If we were out walking, you’d stop in your tracks
The cutest black Labrador I had ever seen
and stare at me.
If we were at home, you’d jump up at me.
As I lay on the floor to stop myself from falling, you’d fetch whatever I needed.
A phone, water, my medical kit, too.
‘Such a good boy!’ I’d reward you with treats.
I suddenly felt like we were always prepared.
And thanks to you, my confidence boomed.
I even felt ready to move out in March this year.
With you by my side, lovely Stowe, I no longer feel scared.
You’re my best friend and my hero. And I can’t thank you enough.
Love, Zoe x Zoe Woolford, 32, Chineham
For more information, visit medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/