For Ann Blake, living with muscular dystrophy, getting her assistance dog Snoopy has been nothing short of “life-changing.” Ann, who lives in Godshill, New Forest, was diagnosed with the genetic condition in 2018. Muscular dystrophy causes the muscles to weaken progressively, and for Ann, it led to the use of a wheelchair. But Snoopy, her faithful dog, has not only provided essential support but also changed the way she interacts with the world.
Before getting Snoopy, Ann found that people often avoided speaking to her when she was in her wheelchair. But now, with Snoopy by her side, things are different. “No one actually speaks to you if you’ve not got a dog,” she shared with BBC Radio Solent. “But now people interact and ask, ‘What does he do?’ It changes the way people engage with you.”
Ann’s diagnosis came as a shock in 2018. Prior to that, she was extremely active—going to the gym four times a week and working full-time. She initially thought her symptoms were related to heart issues, but after consulting several doctors, she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.
“I said to the cardiologist, everything aches like when you have flu,” Ann explained. “He asked for a specific blood test, and when the results came back, I was referred to a rheumatologist and then a neurologist, and they confirmed it was muscular dystrophy.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Ann decided to adopt Snoopy. She applied to Dog A.I.D. UK, a charity that helps train assistance dogs, and Snoopy soon became her trained companion, providing vital support in her daily life. Assistance dogs like Snoopy can help with tasks ranging from fetching items to acting as guides for people with disabilities.
“I thought, well, I’ll give this a go. And we kept our fingers crossed that we’d be accepted,” Ann said. “And he’s been life-changing, really, really has.”
Alongside her work with Snoopy, Ann became involved with MD UK, a charity supporting those with muscular dystrophy. She has also worked to raise funds for the charity by creating a book titled A Legacy of Love, which showcases artwork from artists around the world. So far, Ann has raised £4,000 through the project, with part of the proceeds going to Dog A.I.D UK.
The book features contributions from artists in places as far as Australia, Canada, and America, along with several local artists from the New Forest. One of the contributors is Gilson Jarvis, a former drummer for Jools Holland, who created a piece that pays tribute to Ann and Snoopy without directly depicting them. “I’ve drawn a dog similar to Snoopy, standing beside a lady in a wheelchair, just waiting to be of service,” Jarvis explained. “It’s a privilege to be part of this project.”
Ann’s story is one of resilience, demonstrating how an assistance dog can transform not just daily tasks, but social interactions and overall well-being. The support she’s received, both from Snoopy and the artistic community, continues to help raise awareness and funds for those living with muscular dystrophy.
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