“Freddy gave me the confidence to travel by tube for the first time in 14 years.”
In 2009, a stroke caused by a blood clot changed Chris’ life in an instant. Left completely bedbound and paralysed down his left side, he became reliant on home care.
Before his stroke, Chris enjoyed a career in nursing with the NHS before later working at a college. Although his professional background helped him understand what was happening, the road to recovery was both physically and emotionally challenging.
Finding Canine Partners
Chrisʼ late partner Rob encouraged him to apply for a Canine Partner after seeing the charity on TV. In September 2014, Chris was partnered with Viking.
“Viking to take my socks or gloves off, or help me get undressed, reduced the amount of personal care and assistance I needed. It gave me back control of my life, which is huge.”
Viking also gave Chris confidence, purpose and connection.
People see you in a chair and they ignore you, but they see a dog and it makes a difference. It might sound stupid, but I felt visible.
Meeting Freddie
Chris is now partnered with Freddy, his second Canine Partner. Together for nearly two years, Freddy has become a much-loved companion and an important part of Chris’ life.
“Freddy is the polar opposite of Viking. I call him Steady Freddy. He takes a bit longer to learn things, but he is very eager. Once he has got something, he has got it.”
One of the biggest differences Freddy has made is helping Chris rediscover the confidence to travel independently. “For the first time in 14 years, I’ve travelled on the Underground, Crossrail and the Tube.”
Growing in confidence together
To prepare for a journey to Liverpool Street, Chris and Freddy spent three days sitting at the station, watching trains come and go. When the time felt right, they boarded a train together and travelled straight to Liverpool Street in London.
“Would I have done that on my own? Absolutely not. But with Freddy, we now make that journey every month.”
Being a wheelchair user on public transport can feel intimidating, Chris explains, because he is lower down with people standing over him. Freddy changes that. People notice him, acknowledge the partnership and respond differently, which helps Chris feel more visible and supported.
Freddy’s training was also tailored to Chris’s everyday life. During their partnership training, they worked together in Chris’s wheelchair-accessible vehicle, practising in the same environment they would use at home.
Superheroes in jackets
For Chris, the impact of an assistance dog goes far beyond practical tasks. It’s about companionship, independence, confidence and being able to do more of the things that matter to him.
“I think the general public don’t get to see the full impact assistance dogs have. They don’t get to see how life-changing it is or how much control it gives you back.”
“The bond, companionship and relationship are unbelievable. People may say, ‘It’s just a dog,’ but they are superheroes in jackets.”