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Milly and Onyx's story of success
milly and onyx
Milly and Onyx.
An assistance dog has changed the life of 10-year-old Milly, who suffers from a rare congenital disorder

Milly Allen was just one-year-old when she was diagnosed with Glycosylation type la, a rare congenital disorder affecting just over 800 people worldwide.

Now 10 years old, she has weak muscle tone and loose joints, is unable to fully control her body or walk independently and has difficulties with speech.

Milly’s mother Katie first met an assistance dog with its owner in a local supermarket, which inspired her to contact Dogs For the Disabled. In 2013, Onyx arrived and Milly’s life changed forever.

Milly's physical difficulties meant that she struggled in mainstream school. She now attends a special school, where she has access to speech and physiotherapy. Her experience there has been positive, but nothing has had such an amazing impact as the arrival of Onyx.

“Onyx is my special friend and helper, she’s always there for me,” says Milly. “She meets me off the bus from school and I’m never lonely any more. When I’m out with Onyx everyone wants to talk to me and find out more about what she does for me.”
 
Onyx is constantly at Milly's side, even sleeping next to her bed. She picks up anything Milly drops, responds to pointing by fetching shoes or clothes, and helps her take off her socks, jacket and gloves.
 
As Milly grows older she will spend more time in her wheelchair and Onyx’s ability to open doors and drawers and press access buttons means that Milly will gain increasing independence as she becomes an adult.
 
Katie says: “Onyx is an affectionate softie and, off duty, has her silly moments. She loves playing with Alfie (Milly’s six-year-old brother) in the garden. She absolutely loves the beach, swimming and paddling and her favourite game is pretending to lose her ball and then finding it.”
 
Image courtesy of Dogs for the Disabled.
 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.