When Rajwinder Kaur was just one year old, she contracted polio, a highly infectious viral disease that, at its peak, paralysed 3,500 people annually. While polio has been virtually eradicated worldwide, it left Rajwinder reliant on a wheelchair.
Until recently, the 44-year-old depended heavily on her husband and caregiver, Hardeep, for support and couldn’t go anywhere independently.
However, her life changed with the help of Rocky, a Yellow Labrador trained by the national Support Dogs charity. The three-year-old disability assistance dog has given Rajwinder newfound independence by assisting with daily tasks such as picking up dropped items, opening doors, loading and unloading the washing machine, helping her get dressed, and even fetching help when needed.
“Now, if I need to reach for something, I don’t have to call my husband,” said Rajwinder, who lives in Birmingham’s Hockley area with her 18-year-old daughter, Jaskiran.
“If I drop something, I can’t pick it up, especially in my electric wheelchair, which is quite high. But Rocky can do it all—he picks things up, opens and closes doors, helps with the laundry, takes off my socks, brings me my shoes, and even picks up his own leash, collar, and harness. I’m so proud of Rocky and so grateful to Support Dogs—it’s absolutely brilliant.”
Polio, which causes symptoms such as flu-like illness and muscle weakness, can sometimes lead to paralysis. In severe cases, it can even become life-threatening if the paralysis affects breathing muscles.
The family welcomed Rocky into their home as a puppy and applied to Support Dogs in late 2021. After undergoing assessments, Rocky and Rajwinder joined the charity’s training program in October 2022.
Following a year of rigorous training and practice, the pair graduated in October 2023 and recently attended a celebratory awards ceremony.
Hardeep, also 44, expressed his gratitude: “We are incredibly thankful to Support Dogs. They have exceeded all expectations. Before Rocky, Rajwinder couldn’t go anywhere on her own. Now, she can enjoy a walk in the park or go out independently. I feel reassured knowing she has Rocky by her side.”
Rajwinder, who runs an online business, added, “I wholeheartedly recommend Support Dogs—they’re transforming lives.”
Contact Support Dogs: www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800
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