Assistance dogs are incredible animals that can change the lives of their owners in so many ways.
Whether they’re needed for physical or mental disabilities, the specially trained pooches provide the gift of independence by helping people complete essential daily tasks.
But for one Tameside teen, his assistance dog can do much more than just bring him items or open doors – he can save his life.
Aidan Bennett has a rare life-threatening heart condition called catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycard, an illness that causes sudden rhythm disturbances.
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The condition means if Aidan's heart rate increases in response to emotional stress or anxiety, it could trigger an abnormally fast heartbeat, leading to a potentially fatal cardiac arrest.
His condition is also complicated by his autism and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which gives him an irrational fear of germs and contamination.
“It’s very dangerous,” Aidan’s mum, Natasha Eastwood, said. “It means excess stress, heightened emotions and strenuous exercise could potentially make him go into cardiac arrest and kill him.”
The 16-year-old, from Stalybridge, was diagnosed with the rare condition after collapsing at school in 2017. A year later, he received his autism diagnosis.
Just before he was offered a placement at a specialist school, his health deteriorated and he became non-verbal. That’s when doctors suggested he should get an assistance dog – with the family welcoming puppy Frankie to their home in 2020.
Mum Natasha, 37, managed to find an instructor to help the family train Frankie following a desperate appeal last year. So far, Frankie has learnt tasks including circling Aidan in crowded spaces to stop others getting too close and giving him his medication.
The clever pooch is also able to recognise when Aidan’s heart rate increases or falls, immediately detecting a life-threatening situation.
But since the family have started taking Frankie out in the community, some have tried to stroke or pet him – distracting the pup from his vital work and potentially putting Aidan in danger.
“Despite us wearing jumpers and Frankie has his vest on, the general public distract him,” Natasha added. “Children I’ve noticed are really respectful but it tends to be more the adults.
“I know they shouldn’t, but they try and stroke him and make kissing noises. It sets us back so much. It’s challenging and difficult to be in the environment anyway and it’s not fair on Frankie.
“For someone to distract a training dog, it sets you back and it’s a timely and costly process already.”
Despite the occasional set-backs, Natasha says the difference in her son has already been extraordinary..
On Aidan’s condition, Natasha said: “At the end of the day, to think ‘Am I going to live or die’ and live in fear of death is distressing to say the least.
“All the doctors suggested an assistance dog. There are very limited assistance dog trainers in this area but we’ve found a trainer now.
“[Aidan’s] main need is mobility. He has an extremely low heart rate which can cause collapse and Frankie can recognise when his heart rate gets low or high.
“He can open doors and distract when Aidan becomes anxious by nudging him or giving him a nose touch.
“Aidan cannot cope with people being in his immediate space, he is sensitive to touch. Frankie can circle him in a crowded environment and sit in front of him so people cannot get too close.
“[Frankie’s] focus is imperative to keep my son safe, it takes years to train these little lifesavers.”
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