Wendy Hilling, a Hest Bank resident, had to say goodbye to her 13-year-old assistance dog named Teddy on May 5. Unfortunately, he lost the battle against cancer.
The 71-year-old woman said that the dog saved her life on many occasions just by raising the alarm whenever she stopped breathing, mostly during the night. He also saved her life whenever she collapsed at home.
Hilling suffers from a rare genetic condition called epidermolysis bullosa, causing her skin to break at the slightest touch. It can also cause her airway to shut. Fortunately, the dog was trained to wake Wendy’s husband Peter whenever she stopped breathing. He was also trained to push the button and alert the ambulance service.
However, Teddy also helped Wendy with clothes changing and taking her shoes off, as well as loading or unloading the washing machine. The dog was also smart enough to take money out of a cashpoint.
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Inspired by her condition and her dog, Wendy even wrote a book called My Life in His Paws in which she describes how Teddy gave back her confidence and freedom. The book has been translated into five different languages.
Wendy and Peter are originally from Devon. However, they decided to move to Hest Bank 3 years ago. Last year, they took another dog named Carmen, who started to take on Teddy’s daily duties.
Wendy said that Teddy mage a huge difference in her life. The dog wasn’t just a lifesaving Canine Partner. In fact, he was also a school reading talk and a Pets As Therapy dog.
When Teddy arrived at the Lancaster hospital, both staff and patients felt very calmer. So, one of the doctors suggested that every A&E should have a dog just like Teddy.
Wendy now wants to write another book and continue her story with Teddy and Carmen. She also set up a JustGiving page in order to raise money for Canine Partners in Teddy’s memory. Whoever wants to donate, can do it here.
