Dog owner returning the favour to help retired assistance dog Bumble with therapy at Moreton Morrell College

A loving dog owner whose Labrador has dedicated its life to helping her with her disability is now returning the favour thanks to staff at Moreton Morrell College.
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For more than ten years, 13-year old Bumble has assisted Demi Shakespeare, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility, with everyday tasks such as opening doors and retrieving items.

Bumble’s love and dedication toward her owner has enabled Demi, who lives in Dudley, to pursue her dream career as a mental health recovery worker and to run her own private practice working as a counsellor.

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Now Demi is repaying the favour by taking Bumble to Moreton Morrell College, part of WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group), twice a month for hydrotherapy and physiotherapy

From left - Becky Sidwell, Bumble, Demi Shakespeare, Kizzy and Emily Cooke. Photo suppliedFrom left - Becky Sidwell, Bumble, Demi Shakespeare, Kizzy and Emily Cooke. Photo supplied
From left - Becky Sidwell, Bumble, Demi Shakespeare, Kizzy and Emily Cooke. Photo supplied

treatments to help with aches and pains at the college’s Canine Clinic.

Demi said: “Bumble has been the most dedicated and loving dog, and she has helped me in so many ways.

“Before I had her, people would sometimes see me in a wheelchair and be reluctant to approach me, but Bumble is a great icebreaker and has allowed me to meet so many people.

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“She’s also helped me with my confidence. I feel more secure when Bumble is with me.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to give something back to her after everything she’s done for me - she’s so well looked after and the treatments are really helping her with her mobility.”

Becky Sidwell, veterinary hysiotherapist at Moreton Morrell College, said: “It’s a real pleasure to have Bumble in the college. She’s a gorgeous dog and has had a tremendously positive effect on Demi’s life.”

Emily Cooke, veterinary physiotherapist at Moreton Morrell College, added: “It’s great to have dogs like Bumble in the college on a regular basis. By bringing Bumble to Moreton Morrell College, not only is Demi helping Bumble, she’s also helping to nurture the next generation of veterinary physiotherapists.”

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Bumble has retired from her job as a full-time assistance dog and Demi has a new addition – two-year old Kizzy.

Demi said: “Kizzy is such a playful and energetic dog. She reminds me a lot of Bumble when she was the same age.

“Luckily, Bumble and Kizzy get on really well. Kizzy always comes with us when we visit Moreton Morrell College and it’s great to know that if she needs some physio, Becky and Emily can treat her as well.”

For more information email: [email protected] or call 0300 456 0047.