Amazing dog awarded animal equivalent of an OBE for her incredible help to disabled owner
A FAMILY pet and her disabled owner have both been awarded prestigious gongs for their incredible work helping others.
PDSA Order of Merit awarded to 'life changing' Molly
Devoted Molly the cocker spaniel has been given the animal world’s equivalent of an OBE for being owner Lucy Watts’ “ray of light”.
Ms Watts, who suffers from a life-limiting condition, was herself made an MBE last year at the tender age of 23 for her tremendous charity works campaigning about life-shortening illnesses.
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Today Ms Watts spoke of her delight after the black and white spaniel was awarded the PDSA Order of Merit – the animal equivalent of the OBE – for the companionship and unfaltering help she gives day and night.
Ms Watts suffers with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder and, coupled with other health complications, it can leave her feeling withdrawn, isolated and unhappy. The condition is classed as life-limiting.
Before Molly arrived in her life as as eight-week old puppy, Ms Watts had struggled with chronic pain and had been left bed-bound.
Molly is the best companion I could ask for
One look at the tiny dog immediately lifted her spirits and was the making of an inseparable bond that saw Molly trained by Dog Assistance In Disability so she could help Ms Watts with every day tasks.
Besides untying shoelaces, removing clothes, opening doors and fetching things on demand, Molly also keeps her senses on high alert to protect Ms Watts if her blood pressure drops or temperature spikes.
By licking her hands and arms, Molly can warn Ms Watts if she is in danger of collapsing or getting septicemia.
Ms Watts, who comes from Benfleet in Essex, has not let her condition from helping others as a charity figure, giving speeches and writing inspirational blogs.
She was first to congratulate Molly today for her own good deeds by saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled Molly has been awarded the PDSA Order of Merit.
"She was never intended as an assistance dog but her devotion to me and her training has never wavered. I would be lost without her.
“Molly helped give me something to focus on. Puppies bring so much joy anyway but Molly was like a ray of light for me. She gave me the motivation to get up and out of bed again.
“Molly is the best companion I could ask for. She seems to instinctively know if I’m in pain or not. She never tries to jump up for a cuddle if I’m uncomfortable.
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Fourteen animals have received the PDSA Order of Merit since its institution in 2014 and Molly becomes the fourth dog to receive the honour established to recognise animals that have shown outstanding acts of devotion and symbolise the special relationship between them and humans.
Molly’s medal was presented at the Watts’ family home by PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin, who said: “PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme celebrates the incredible bond that we share with animals and our latest award is a shining example of that very special relationship.
“Molly has helped Lucy in so many remarkable ways; she makes a vast difference to her life on a daily basis.
"It’s an honour to award the PDSA Order of Merit to such a worthy recipient.”
