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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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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.