I suffer with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Phobia and Panic Attacks, until Boris came along I could go days sometimes weeks without leaving the safety of my home alone, I always had to have somebody with me. My compulsions and fears completely ruled my life, to complicate matters further I also have Auto Immune Hepatitis and severe Arthritis throughout my body, pain and exhaustion are my constant companions but not my friends.

After I was medically retired from the job I loved of 13 years I hit rock bottom, but in August of 2014 I met a 7 week old Boris and we had an instant bond. Boris gave me a reason to get up in the morning and carry on, I soon realised there was a lot more to Boris than just being a pet and registered him with RECOVERY 4 Wellbeing (Charity Number1125395) to start his training as my Assistance Dog.

RECOVERY is a mental health charity and the Assistance Dogs give support and do tasks such as Deep Pressure Therapy to help people regain their independence and wellbeing, they're registered support dogs and have intensive training before graduating, so far Boris is only one third of his way through his training programme and it'll be approximately a year to 18 months before he graduates.

I'm doing this as my way of contributing towards paying for Boris's training with your help, so myself and others can regain our independence, dignity and to live our lives with a little less fear again.

With Boris's by my side I'm now able to go out and walk him alone on my good days, I still sometimes find it really difficult to go anywhere new or to meet new people, but with Boris's help and support I'm slowly starting to regain my independence.

It'll be a tough day being surrounded by so many people but I'm not letting my fears, compulsions and pain rule my life ever again.

https://m.facebook.com/whatborisdidnext/

http://www.recovery4wellbeing.org.uk/

http://parallellondon.com/