Mighty Zeus is a ‘life-changer’ for Bobby

The striking Red Fox Labrador has been trained and provided by Support Dogs to help young Bobby Clark to make sense of the world.

Bobby, seven, is autistic and struggles with noise and busy environments. He has a lack of safety awareness and climbs on most things. He also has several ‘meltdowns’ a day when he finds it hard to cope.

But since the pooch’s arrival in the Clark household last April, Bobby, an only child who struggles to socialise, and Zeus, have become the best of friends, making life more inclusive and safe.

And now the family can visit most places other people take for granted – such as supermarkets, parks and shops, knowing Zeus is at Bobby’s side to reduce his anxiety and help him cope better in busy environments.

At Christmas, Bobby, who alongside Zeus and his dad graduated as a Support Dogs partnership in November, enjoyed a much more magical time than before, as the festivities had previously overwhelmed him.

But this time around, with trusty Zeus by his side, he was able to visit Santa, have a panto trip and enjoy other Yuletide gatherings.

“Before, Bobby wouldn’t walk anywhere, but with Zeus we could enjoy family walks. For the first time ever – Bobby’s now bursting with confidence and chatting away with other little boys and girls” says Dad, Jody

“Now, if Bobby does have stressful situations, thanks to Zeus, he calms down a lot quicker and we don’t have to leave and we can have a full day out. It’s been life-changing”

Dad, Jody