Dog praised for outstanding work

Ashby had to be re-trained to work with his owner Lucy Jaques.

A guide dog from Surrey has been presented with a national award for working with his owner.

Golden Retriever Ashby, who lives in Dorking with Lucy Jaques, 26, was given the outstanding work award at the Guide Dogs' annual awards ceremony in London.

The dog was re-trained especially for Ms Jaques who has sight and hearing impairments and no use of her left arm.

The award was presented by television personality Peter Purves and the charity's chief executive Bridget Warr.

Ms Jaques said she had not thought it would ever be possible for her to have a guide dog because of her other disabilities.

'Changed my life'

She said: "I have had Ashby for two years now and he is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

"He is a very clever and instinctive dog, and has changed my life far beyond what I could ever imagine

"Guide dogs are normally trained to walk on the left side of their owner but Ashby had to be re-trained to walk on my right side so that I could hold his harness."

She said the dog learns new routes quickly and finds pelican crossing buttons, post boxes and bus stops for her.

"Ashby copes well with going to many different events and meetings as part of my job, and is loved in my office," Ms Jaques added.

There are currently 4,600 guide dogs working in the UK.

Vicky Bell, a spokesperson for Guide Dogs, said: "This year we received many fantastic stories of life-changing guide dogs, and heard about the huge differences that they have made to the lives of their blind and partially-sighted owners.

"It is fantastic that Ashby's outstanding work has been recognised and we are able to share his story with the public, and celebrate his amazing achievement."

The overall Guide Dog of the Year award went to Theo who works with Katie Meakin, from Coventry, who also has mobility difficulties.