Meet the lifesaving pets
We know animals do the most wonderful things, but these three ladies say they owe their lives to their incredible pets...
Dianne’s story: ‘Darcy knew I had epilepsy before I did’
When Dianne Woodford suddenly lost her sight overnight ten years ago, her life was turned upside down. Having lost her vision as a complication of the Type 1 diabetes she’d had since a teenager, this working mum of three didn’t know how she’d cope. That is until she got a guide dog and regained her independence. Now on her second guide dog, Darcy, Dianne says she’s a lifeline, not only helping her get around without sight, but also with her recently diagnosed epilepsy. “Last summer I rang Guide Dogs to say there’s something wrong with my dog as she keeps stopping when we’re out and won’t budge. At the time I didn’t realise I had any specific symptoms apart from a headache, but I later realised she was stopping to force me to sit down as she knew I was unwell. And sure enough, not long after that I was diagnosed with epilepsy,” says Dianne. Now Darcy, who has no specialist training other than her general guide dog training, regularly signals to Dianne about 15 minutes before she’s about to have an epileptic fit. This allows Dianne time to press her panic button or, if she’s out somewhere, warn bystanders what’s about to happen, then find a quiet place before the fit takes place. “She helps stop the whole drama and emergency of people wondering what’s happening when I’m fitting. Sometimes I can even stop the fit if I find somewhere quiet, have a drink of water and relax once Darcy has signalled to me that something’s not right.” Darcy has also been a lifesaver with Dianne’s diabetes, waking her up on a number of occasions when Dianne’s blood sugar has been too low.
‘Family and friends are now happy for me to go out with Darcy as they know she’ll help me if anything happens’
It’s little wonder then that Dianne and Darcy recently received the Guide Dogs’ Beyond the Call of Duty Award, recognising their unique partnership. “Family and friends are now happy for me to go out with Darcy as they know she’ll help me if anything happens. I trust her wholly as a guide dog but then she’s there for my other medical issues, which she’s just decided to take on off her own back. She’s so proud to work and has really given me my life back.”