A mum from Bedfordshire living with a rare genetic condition, who says her assistance dogs have not only restored her independence but saved her life, starred on BBC’s the One Show’s 20th anniversary programme (14 August).
Shelley and Canine Partner Meikle, along with Shelley’s son Will, took centre stage at BBC Broadcasting House in London during an incredibly emotional segment presented by Angellica Bell and Clara Amfo.
Turning the clock back all the way to 2012, Angellica, reporting for The One Show, met and interviewed partner Kate and Canine Partner Byron.
Will, aged just ten-years-old at the time, caught a glimpse of Canine Partners’ feature and sent off for an application pack for Shelley, encouraging her to apply.
“I still remember seeing the feature on The One Show that inspired everything that’s happened since. Before then, mum would never have dreamed an assistance dog could help – so to be here now and see mum enjoying life again with Meikle makes everything worthwhile.” Will Fitzsimmons
Fast forward fourteen years, Shelley is now thriving with her second Canine Partner, Meikle, who joined her and Will to surprise an incredibly touched Angellica.
After the emotional, live interview with Angellica and Clara, Shelley, Will and loyal companion Meikle were invited backstage to see Tom Grennan close the anniversary show performing his chart-topping hit, ‘A little bit of love’.
Shelley’s story:
Shelley, 52, lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which causes her joints to dislocate without warning.
“I fall regularly, drop things, and even small movements can be painful. Some days I can walk, but others I rely entirely on my wheelchair,” she said.
As her condition worsened, Shelley lost confidence and became increasingly isolated following disability discrimination at work. “I wouldn’t answer the phone or open the door. I was scared of being alone in case I fell.”
At her lowest, she depended on her family for basic tasks.
“I felt like a burden asking my children for help with things like getting dressed or going to the toilet.”
After seeing Canine Partners on television, Shelley’s son suggested she apply for an assistance dog. Two years later, Shelley was partnered with Kibble, a black Labrador. Kibble helped with daily tasks such as picking up dropped items and raising the alarm in an emergency.
“Because he did so much for me, I relied on my wheelchair less and could do more for myself. He gave me my independence back.
He also transformed family life. “My husband was my husband again and my children were my children. They didn’t have to worry about me all the time.”
Shelley believes her life would have been very different without Kibble.
“He saved my life. I truly believe I wouldn’t be here without him.”
Being partnered with second Canine Partner Meikle:
After ten years together, Kibble retired, and Shelley quickly felt the loss of his support. Her confidence dropped, and a fall while trying to pick up her phone left her with a cracked rib.
“It was a painful reminder of how much I relied on him.” In 2024, she was partnered with her second assistance dog, Meikle.
“When Meikle arrived, it was like the lights came back on.”
Meikle now supports Shelley both at home and out in the community, enabling her to carry out everyday activities independently. With Meikle by her side, she has regained her confidence. “I can live my life on my own terms again and nothing feels impossible.”
Today, Shelley is looking to the future with hope. “Kibble and Meikle are lifesavers. Because of them, my children still have a mum and my husband still has a wife.”
Shortly after Meikle arrived, Kibble sadly passed away. “I believe he waited until he knew Meikle could look after me. He passed away knowing I was safe.”
Meikle’s task work and impact as a Canine Partners assistance dog
Meikle’s favourite assistance dog task work includes:
- Helping Shelley get ready in the morning and evening
- Loading and unloading the washing machine, knowing what items to pick up and when
- Providing vital outside assistance when shopping
Picking up any dropped items, including fiddley keys and kitchen utensils - Accompanying Shelley to health appointments and social outings, including the hairdressers
- About The One Show’s 20th anniversary celebrations
About The One Show’s 20th anniversary celebrations
To mark The One Show’s milestone anniversary, Alex Jones and Roman Kemp celebrated a week of special programmes featuring celebrity guests, memorable reunions, surprise moments and stories that have captivated viewers over the last two decades – including our very own Shelley and Canine Partner Meikle.