Shelley (52) from Bedfordshire, lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a genetic condition that affects collagen and causes her joints to dislocate frequently and without warning. “I fall regularly, drop everything, and even the smallest movement can cause pain or injury me. Some days I can walk around more easily, but other days I’m reliant on my wheelchair,” Shelley explains.
Shelley’s parents first realised something wasn’t right when she was nine-years-old. A keen dancer, she kept dislocating her knees while practicing. At the time, EDS wasn’t widely understood and no one could explain why it was happening.
Losing independence
As she grew older, the dislocations became more frequent and more severe. In 2008, she dislocated three discs in her spine and began relying more on crutches and a wheelchair.
Alongside the physical impact, Shelley’s confidence began to fall. After experiencing disability discrimination at work, she had a nervous breakdown. “I wouldn’t answer the phone. I wouldn’t open the door. I went from being an extroverted person to someone very isolated who didn’t want to do anything.”
As her condition deteriorated, she became increasingly reliant on her husband and children for help with daily life.
I needed help getting washed and dressed, or to going to the toilet. I hated asking my children for help. I missed my independence and felt like a burden. Like I was letting my family down.
She stopped going out alone and began withdrawing from the outside world. When her family were out at work or school, she felt frightened. “I was scared being home alone, not knowing what would happen if I fell.”
Discovering Canine Partners
It was Shelley’s son who first suggested that an assistance dog might be able to help, after seeing someone with EDS and their canine partner on television. “He said, ‘Mum, you can have a dog to look after you.’ I thought that was ridiculous. I didn’t think I was disabled enough.”
A few days later, after her son had requested one on her behalf, an application form arrived. After some persuasion from her family, she filled it in. A year later, in January 2014, Shelley was partnered with a black Labrador called Kibble.
Meeting Kibble
Kibble supported Shelley with tasks that had become difficult or unsafe. He picked up things she dropped, helped her manage routines at home, and could press an emergency alarm if she needed urgent help. “He could literally pick up everything – even a five pence piece. It absolutely amazed me what he was trained to do.”
But for Shelley, the biggest change was the freedom that support created.
“Life with Kibble was amazing. Because he did so much for me, I didn’t need to be in my wheelchair as much. I could use my strength to do the things I wanted to do.”
Kibble also restored Shelley’s dignity.
To have Kibble do personal things for me was so much easier and nicer than having to have a person do those things. It gave me my independence back. I was never on my own
With Kibble by her side, her confidence returned and Shelley began going out again. “With Kibble, nothing was scary anymore. When you go out you don’t feel like people are staring at you, they’re looking at how beautiful he is.”
But the impact reached far beyond Shelley.
Changing the future for her family
From the day Kibble arrived, the dynamic in Shelley’s home shifted. “My husband was my husband again and my kids were my kids.” He no longer needed to call constantly to check she was safe. Her children could focus on school instead of worrying about their mum. “Their grades increased dramatically. They were so much happier.”
Shelley was able to contribute to family life again, helping around the house and supporting her children through exams and university. When she later faced hospital stays and cancer treatment, Kibble stayed by her side. “He made difficult times much less scary.”
Without Kibble, Shelley believes her life would have had a very different outcome.
Kibble saved my life. I strongly believe I wouldn’t be here without him.
After ten years together, Kibble retired. Although he remained with Shelley, she immediately felt the difference. “As soon as I realised he would be retiring, my anxiety started rising.”
Her confidence dropped quickly and she stopped going out unless it was urgent. One day, after dropping her phone and trying to reach it herself, she cracked a rib. “It was a painful reminder of how much I relied on him.”
A new chapter with Meikle
In 2024, Shelley was partnered with her second canine partner, a yellow Labrador named Meikle. “Meikle came bounding into my house and heart, and I instantly felt happy again. Things had turned dark after Kibble retired, but when Meikle arrived it was like the lights came back on.”
Where Kibble was calm and steady, Meikle is playful, affectionate and always close by. “Kibble cuddled on Kibble’s terms, but Meikle loves every type of affection, all the time – and that was exactly what I needed. He has me laughing every single second of every day.”
With Meikle’s support, Shelley regained her independence once more and has been able to reduce the number of carers she needs throughout the day. “I can go to bed and get up when I want, without relying on my family or carers. My dignity has been restored, and nothing feels impossible.”
Meikle also accompanies Shelley to appointments and social outings, including visits to her hairdresser. It is somewhere she feels genuinely welcomed, with a special spot to sit that was first claimed by Kibble and has now been taken over by Meikle. The team always enjoy seeing him walk through the door, and other customers often admire the bond they share. “It’s wonderful to be able to do normal things like this, that other women age do, without relying on someone. All I need is Meikle by myside.”
Shortly after Meikle arrived, Kibble passed away. “Losing Kibble was devastating, but having Meikle by my side made it more bearable. I truly believe Kibble waited until he was sure Meikle could look after me. He passed away knowing I was safe.”
“They are lifesavers”
Today, Shelley feels hopeful about the future. “Kibble and Meikle have been life-changing and lifesaving. Because of Kibble, my children still have a mother, and my husband still has a wife. With Meikle by my side, the future is looking bright.”
For Shelley, her two canine partners have provided far more than practical help. They’ve restored her independence, rebuilt her confidence and changed the course of her life.
