Mum reveals how canine partner does chores & even the shopping

TRAINING a dog to fetch can be a tricky task, never mind getting it to help with the shopping and household chores.

But unloading the washing machine, opening doors and taking his owner’s shoes and socks off are all in a day’s work for wonder dog Garon.

The two-year-old Labrador-retriever cross has given Rebecca Mayo her life back after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago.

The 42-year-old and her assistance dog, provided by charity Canine Partners, have formed an unbreakable bond after being paired six months ago.

Garon – who can go anywhere a guide dog can– now helps the mother of two with everything from retrieving tins off supermarket shelves to picking up items such as keys, pens and her phone, and presses the buttons on electric doors.

When they go shopping, Garon – who BY CLAIRE ELLIOT cost £20,000 to train in his first year – even hands over her bank card to the cashier. “He’s amazing,” said Rebecca, from Lumsden, Aberdeenshire.

“Having him has been a real game-changer. I’m in a lot less pain because he does all the bending and picking up and all the things I can’t do.

“He takes things out of the washing machine and the dryer, picks things up and, if I’m holding something, he will open the door for me. He’s so willing to help and learn, and so clever.

“He’s given me the confidence to go out on my own again.”

Rebecca’s husband Jamie is planning to abseil down the Forth Bridge to raise money for Canine Partners, who rely on public donations

●To support Jamie, visit aceabseiloct2018.everydayhero.com/uk/mayoover-the-top/wizard/share