Best pedigree chums!
Joel has such bad autism he couldn’t leave home... until Caddie came along. Now they could be Crufts’ most inspiring champions
FOUR years ago, Joel Sayer couldn’t leave the house, not even to step into the garden. His autism, and other disorders, meant that he was trapped in a confusing and silent existence, unable to speak to people – and terrified of setting foot outside.
Yet now, aged 13, Joel has the confidence to face the uncertain world, is able to go on family outings and to play happily outdoors.
The reason for the remarkable turnaround is Caddie, a six-year-old yellow Labrador assigned to him as an assistance dog. Today, the inspirational story could make Caddie a Crufts champion, as he is one of four hero dogs shortlisted for the Friends for Life award.
Joel’s mum Janet, 52, said: ‘The difference Caddie has made to our lives is overwhelming.
‘The focus on Joel and how difficult his life was four years ago has now shifted and laughter has returned to our family.
‘My husband Kevin and I are so much more relaxed because, for the first time since Joel was diagnosed with autism at the age of seven, Caddie has opened up the world to him and us.’
Joel agreed. ‘I think my life is very happy now,’ he said, affectionately ruffling Caddie’s ears. ‘He’s not just my best friend, he’s my guardian angel. He keeps me calm and safe. A bit like Nanny McPhee. I just love him. My mind gets muddled and I can’t think or cope, but with Caddie I’m OK.’
Joel, from Newquay, Cornwall, suffered from sleep apnoea as a baby and didn’t speak until he was five. He also has a sensory disorder and a speech and language impairment which made it difficult for him to communicate – and he became distressed or violent if anxious.
After Joel’s paediatrician suggested he might be eligible for an autistic assistance dog from the Dogs For Good charity, the change was astonishing.
‘He sat and stared at Caddie for a long time,’ Janet recalled of their first meeting. ‘But when we asked Joel if he’d like to go and play ball with him, he just followed him into the garden and the two of them hit it off. It was the first time Joel had ever agreed to go into the garden and the first time we had seen him smile. Kevin broke down in tears – we both knew Caddie was going to change all of our lives.’
Since pairing up with his canine best friend, Joel has achieved extraordinary milestones, including going on surfing trips, joining in with family meal times and even going to the dentist’s.
Janet said: ‘Caddie instinctively reacts if he knows Joel is feeling anxious by picking up a toy and bringing it over to him, sitting with his head on his knee, or even lying on him – which Joel finds incredibly reassuring.
‘The two of them go up to bed together and Caddie will stay with him until he falls asleep before coming down.’
Caddie was selected for the Crufts prize by judges from the Kennel Club and dog-food company Eukanuba, who described him as a ‘super dog’.
The final decision is down to a public vote at crufts.org.uk/ content/eukanuba-friends-for-life, which closes at midday.
The winner will be announced at Birmingham’s NEC later today.