Rescued cocker spaniel trains as an assistance dog
Mollie and Kyle
A cocker spaniel named Mollie has been adopted by a family who are training her to become an assistance dog for their 10-year-old son Kyle, who suffers from cerebral palsy.
Five-year-old Mollie was rescued from a life of neglect by Cocker and English Springer Spaniel Rescue (CAESSR), which was recently awarded a grant of £3000 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
After Kyle’s mother Sarah was advised that Kyle was too young to be a priority for a specially trained assistance dog, it was suggested that she train a dog herself to provide Kyle with the support he needed.
Sarah contacted CAESSR after being told that a five-year-old Cocker Spaniel would be the most suitable dog and spent time discussing Kyle’s needs before being put on the waiting list. Once Mollie was rescued, it was clear she would make a good partner for Kyle.
Kyle also suffers from visual impairment and learning difficulties, and so Mollie also helps him to pick up items and encourages him to use his arm muscles by playing games. Kyle said: "Mollie is my best friend and I am already teaching her how to fetch."
Kyle and Mollie are now helping each other, whilst Sarah has undertaken an online training programme in order to train Mollie to work as an assistance dog.
Sarah said: "The bond between Kyle and Mollie is very strong and they go everywhere they can together."
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
