An overweight Teddy and his anxious owner Mike benefit greatly from a range of comprehensive support provided and organised by Our Special Friends (OSF).
Mike, 56, suffers from extreme agoraphobia and mobility problems, and had not left his home for three and a half years after the death of his mother. Although he had rare visits from his mostly estranged family, Mike’s main companion is Teddy, an 11 year old Collie/Jack Russell cross breed. In late summer 2023, Teddy’s vet referred them to OSF as Teddy was becoming grossly overweight from a lack of exercise. He was 17.6kg compared to the ideal weight of 12.5kg and had a growth on the side of his abdomen which couldn’t be removed before he had reduced his weight.
Following an assessment by an OSF volunteer, a comprehensive plan was put in place to reduce Teddy’s weight through matching them with a volunteer, Carole. As Mike cannot read or write, Carole provided much needed support in completing a Dog CV for Teddy. Initially, Carole walked Teddy for ten minutes at a time, four times per week as Teddy couldn’t manage much more than this. OSF’s assessment had also identified that Mike’s home was cluttered and needed regular cleaning, while the garden was overgrown and littered with unhygienic dog deposits, so Carole helped by cleaning up the garden.
To further help with Teddy’s weight, OSF liaised with a local hydrotherapy unit who provided discounted sessions, and Carole happily took him along. When Teddy was fitter, “Team Teddy” was created to share the walking commitment between a professional dog walker, who Mike readily agreed to hire, alongside six OSF volunteers. Halfway through 2024, Teddy’s weight was down to 12.9kg, his growth had been removed, and his muscles had been improved by the walking and hydrotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, he developed behavioural problems, including biting when putting on his collar and lead, which was thought to be related to pain from arthritis. OSF matched Teddy with Lucie, our very own Volunteer Dog Behaviourist who visited to give advice and ongoing support.
Now, with a successful pain management plan, Teddy is less anxious and can be the calm, chilled companion that Mike needs. Teddy still receives support from Lucie to work on snarls and snaps which occur when he does not want to walk. OSF volunteers have developed a thorough understanding of this behaviour so can spend time at home playing games and using enrichment activities to build Teddy’s trust and a develop a strong bond.
Complementing Teddy’s dramatic transformation, Mike has benefitted enormously from OSF referring him to several support agencies, including social prescribers and his GP surgery, who continue to help him overcome his anxieties. Mike now has a cleaner and gardener and enjoys seeing them as well as the OSF volunteers. Although Mike still cannot go beyond his doorstep, his and Teddy’s lives have opened up and Mike plans to buy a gazebo for his garden so, with continued help he will be able to enjoy the outdoor space with Teddy.
Mike told us what his life was like before OSF and how we have helped: “I was really going down-hill. I had depression and all sorts of mental and physical health problems. OSF have come in and made my life so much easier and [have] done so much for me and Teddy. Without Lucie and OSF, I would have had to give Teddy up. He is my best friend, and it would have been what was best for him, but it would have been hard on my own wellbeing. I don’t know what would have happened to me after that.”
