Amanda and Gordon's story

Amanda was born with Arthrogryposis, a condition characterized by fixed or “frozen” joints. In Amanda’s case, both her arms and legs are shortened, and she was born with club foot and a cleft palate.

Over the years, she's had multiple operations to help alleviate pain, and everyday tasks proved difficult as she can’t reach or walk far.

But thanks to Labrador, Gordon, Amanda has been able to carry on living independently.

The loveable pooch, who qualified earlier this year, is trained to unload the washing machine and tumble drier, help her to put on her shoes, pick up objects and fetch the post.

Gordon follows in the pawprints of Amanda’s three previous life-changing pooches, Spaniels Charlie and Kobi and chocolate Lab Dolly, who were also trained by our charity.

Out and about, he even picks up tins and other groceries from shop shelves.

“Life would be very difficult without Gordon”

Although operations to correct her feet and cleft palate were a success, another, to help her to move her left arm more, didn’t work. She also suffered leg problems. However, an operation to straighten the back of her leg and the help of support dog Grodon, have made a big difference.

“These dogs have transformed my life. I just ask Gordon to do something – I don’t have to get up or ask someone to do it for me. It’s so much easier and less stressful; it’s not as tiring.”

“Until you get one, you don’t think of the difference these dogs can make.”