Lewis and Codie

My son Lewis’s friends ran around our garden at full speed, but he struggled to keep up. ‘Mum, I’m tired,’ he said.  He couldn’t run as fast as the other children and though he was three years old, he struggled to climb the stairs.  I took him to the doctor. ‘I’m worried there’s something wrong with his feet,’ I said.

Lewis was referred to the hospital for tests and after turning four he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a life-limiting illness that meant his muscles were slowly wasting away.  I cried and wondered how we’d cope.

As he grew, Lewis couldn’t keep pace with the other children.  The more mobility he lost, the more isolated he became.

But through the charity Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland I found Lewis a new friend.  As soon as we took Codie – a golden Labrador- home, I knew he was a perfect match for Lewis.  They curled up together on the sofa to watch cartoons and films about dogs.

Codie accompanied us on our regular trips from Tyrone to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where Lewis took part in a special drug trial.  On our first trip with Codie, I smiled at the air hostess as she checked our seat belts were fastened.  ‘And what about this chap?’ she asked, as she looked down at Codie, asleep in the space in front of our seats. ‘He’s fine,’ I said. ‘He had a drink in the departure lounge and he’s trained not to do his business in public.’

Dogs weren’t normally allowed on aeroplanes, but Codie was much more than a pet and an exception was made.  Nothing fazed him and as the plane barrelled down the runway and climbed into the sky, he didn’t bat an eyelid.

Lewis, 11, now needs a wheelchair to help him get around.  It’s heart-breaking to watch his physical decline but it helps to see him with such a good, reliable buddy by his side.  Lewis shouts ‘fetch’ and Codie brings him the TV remote.  I benefit from having Codie around too.  I take him for long walks while Lewis rests and it gives me time for some much-needed headspace.

Codie is part of the family now. 

Due to the tragic death of Codie, the charity are sourcing another assistance dog  at Lewis request.