Adam Cusack says that getting Buddy Dog, Sam, is “the best thing we’ve ever done”.
The 20-year-old from Musselburgh lives with sight loss and different well being circumstances, and he was assisted by Guide Dogs UK and the gamers of the People’s Postcode Lottery within the life-changing transfer. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised greater than £6 million for Guide Dogs since 2018, serving to them remodel lives by means of quite a few tasks and companies identical to the Buddy Dogs’ service.
Adam now has an unimaginable companion and he’s stated to have flourished, rising in confidence and independence.
When Adam was three years old, he contracted Meningitis, a uncommon, mixed pressure of Haemophilus Influenza B and D. He was put in an induced coma for 2 weeks to assist his restoration, however incurred a mind damage which impacted his optic nerve. He misplaced 25% of his eyesight on the underside left quadrant of every eye and suffers different circumstances, reminiscent of epilepsy, consequently.
Growing up, Adam tailored effectively to his sight loss. But, regardless of that, his circumstances impacted his life, and from the ages of round 10 to 17, he grew to become extra insular and remoted.
His household heard in regards to the Guide Dogs’ Buddy Dog service which matches kids, young folks and households with a canine.
Buddy dogs are former trainee information dogs which have had a profession change. They are pet dogs who assist kids and young folks in building confidence and belief and supply companionship. During the time that Adam’s household utilized for a buddy canine, the service was totally funded by gamers of People’s Postcode Lottery.
In December 2021, when Adam was aged 18, Guide Dogs launched the household to yellow Labrador cross golden retriever Sam. There was a right away bond between Adam and Sam. Frank, Adam’s dad, stated: “Having Sam has transformed every facet of our family. Adam has a dog he looks after, which has increased his confidence and independence.”
In 2022, Adam suffered a well being setback. His situation precipitated a number of seizures, which compromised his central nervous system. He was in extreme ache, needing hospital therapy, and was confined to a wheelchair for a few months. During this time, Sam would relaxation his head on Adam to attempt to consolation him. Frank stated, “Without Sam’s friendship throughout that period, Adam would be significantly more damaged. Sam provides an emotional point for Adam to anchor himself to. And physically, he’s also better off now being more mobile.”
Adam stated: “He’s changed my life for the better. When I was unwell, he helped by just being there for me and comforting me. We always say that getting Sam is the best thing we’ve ever done.”
Robbie Campbell, Buddy Dog Service Lead at Guide Dogs commented, “The bond between Adam and Sam has been incredible from the start. Sam has really supported Adam through some difficult times, which has been great for his physical and mental wellbeing. Having Sam has bought a lot of laughter to the family life.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, stated: “We are delighted that players have been able to support such a wonderful Guide Dogs service. It’s great to know that buddy dogs provide children and young people with sight loss like Adam much-needed emotional support and build confidence and trust at such a crucial stage in their lives.”
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