Support dog Davey has given Carter a voice

Lucy recalls the time before support dog Davey bounded into her and her autistic son, Carter’s lives.

“It was just constantly living in fear, for me especially,” says Lucy.

This is because seven-year-old Carter, who is non-verbal, was prone to ‘bolt’ or run off, a common trait in around 50 percent of autistic youngsters. Taking Carter to the shops, or even on the school run, was difficult.

“He has no sense of danger whatsoever, so he would run into the road. We would be in a car park and he would see something he wanted and just run. The bigger he’s got, the quicker he's become, and having to have your wits about you all the time is just exhausting. I was mentally drained.”

Another reason Lucy approached Support Dogs for help was that as Carter struggles with communication, she wanted a dog to provide comfort.

Lucy said just going shopping was a “two-person job” as Carter would easily slip away from holding her hand, or climb out of the trolley and go missing.

She says that most parents of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) find themselves withdrawing and stop taking their children out. But thanks to black Lab Davey, Lucy was able to take Carter on a caravanning holiday!

“I took Carter to the beach for a paddle and Davey was in there with him – it’s just opened up a different world for us.

“I’m not scared any more – Davey has made a world that feels too overwhelming for Carter just that little bit better, bringing a sense of security, safety and calm for Carter.”

Davey also helps to provide a visual aid, to let others know Carter has an invisible disability, and therefore increases understanding.

Lucy said Carter can stim, or flap, and she remembers a man staring.

But she adds: “It’s amazing how many people don’t stare any more, because Davey’s blue jacket shows that Carter has a hidden disability. It’s very nice to have that.

Lucy describes the bond between Carter and Davey as “magical” and that they're the best of friends.

“Carter can’t speak. He can say a few sounds. He has started to say ‘D, D, D’, which means Davey. He understands Carter. He knows when Carter needs comfort, space and encouragement. Their bond is really natural and effortless.

I can see their relationship has really given Carter happiness in ways I’ve struggled to find before. There’s only so much I can give as a mum but Davey understands him without words and when Carter needs space, he knows when to step away and goes to his bed. He’s someone who understands Carter and doesn’t speak, like him.”

“Support Dogs is just incredible. As an SEN parent, often it feels like the world is stacked against you. You have to fight for people to understand you, support you and accept you and your child. ”

Lucy

“But having Davey and having the support of Support Dogs has given us a sense of reassurance and understanding we have never had.

“Support Dogs has given my son a best friend who truly sees him and has given me something I didn’t realise I needed – a peace of mind, hope for the future and the comfort of knowing my child is always understood and never alone.”

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