A WESTBURY dog called Stormzy has been presented with the Guide Dog charity’s first Hero Dog Award, after he was nominated for being the ‘best life changer’ for 16-year-old Josselin Tilley.
Josselin, who uses a powerchair, has been blind and deaf since birth and needs 24-hour care due to a rare condition called CHARGE syndrome. Since Stormzy and Josselin were partnered last year, the yellow labrador golden retriever cross, who recently turned five, has been by her side. Her buddy dog travels to different places, making lots of friends and accompanying Josselin to hospital appointments.
After having over 30 operations, Josselin often gets anxious of hospitals, but having Stormzy by her side has a calming effect on her while she is at hospital. While buddy dogs are not used for sighted assistance like guide dogs, they bring a new friend into the lives of children with sight loss and can help to develop their self-confidence, improve relationships, and build a greater sense of trust.
Josselin and Stormzy’s partnership was even noticed by the children’s hospice they attend, and they were asked to be the stars of their Christmas appeal last year, helping them to raise over £50,000 for children living with life-limiting conditions.
Stormzy joined Josselin and Josselin’s mother, Karen, on stage in Greater Manchester, to receive his Hero Dog Award as part of the charity’s People Awards, presented by BBC Breakfast presenter, Jon Kay. The award was for any dog at Guide Dogs – a guide dog, buddy dog, guide dog mum or dad – who is an everyday hero that has gone above and beyond.
In nominating Stormzy for the award, Josselin’s mum Karen says, “He is much more than a dog to us, he is truly a special soul. He brightens somebody’s day every single day.
“Stormzy walks Josselin out to the school bus in the morning and is there to greet her from the bus in the afternoon. He is the best life changer anybody could ever wish for.
“I was so surprised to see Stormzy win it as some of the dogs he was up against have saved lives and there were some really high standard dogs up for the award, but it was amazing for him to win it as he has helped us so much since we first met him.
“When you hear a list of exactly what Stormzy has done, such as being the face of Julia’s House Christmas appeal with Josselin (which raised so much money), staying by her side at the Bath Half Marathon, as well as the day-to-day support he provides for her, you can’t help but be thankful for him.
“Stormzy received an engraved trophy and a gold dog tag, as well as a hamper full of treats and toys, so I think he’s happy with the result!”
Rachel Graham, buddy dog partner specialist at Guide Dogs says, “All our dogs are life-changers, but it’s so heart-warming to see Stormzy has won the very first Hero Dog Award at our People Awards.
“It’s great to see the difference one of our amazing buddy dogs has made to a young person’s life. Stormzy was a perfect match to Josselin and her family. He goes everywhere with them and is so proud to wear his buddy dog jacket.”
Other award winners joining Josselin and Stormzy at the ceremony held at the Guide Dogs North West Regional Centre in Atherton was 13-year-old Mason Davies who won Inspirational Young Person of the Year for his incredible fundraising efforts; guide dog owner Scott Bailey who is on a mission to help others going through sight loss and was named Outstanding Person of the Year; and Anica Zeyen and guide dog Lassie who were awarded Guide Dog Partnership of the Year after their eight-year partnership has helped them both to become their best selves.
For more information on its People Awards and buddy dog service, visit the Guide Dogs website at guidedogs.org.uk
Karen has also written a book about Josselin and Stormzy entitled, “Josselin’s adventures with CHARGE syndrome: Living her best life with a life limiting condition which can be bought on Amazon.
