Felicity and Phil – A life-changing partnership

Aug 22, 2025

Phil and Felicity – A Life-Changing Partnership

Felicity and Phil are a shining example of how the partnership between an assistance dog and their person can transform lives.

Phil and Felicity are a testament to what having an assistance dog can achieve—their Medical Detection Dog and Dogs for Autism dual trained partnership embodies resilience, trust and mutual empowerment, every single day.

Felicity, an autistic young adult, lives with severe vestibular dysautonomia – a rare condition that causes her to collapse without warning. This combination made everyday life unpredictable and frightening, not only for her but for her whole family.

When overwhelming demand meant Felicity could not receive a dog through Dogs for Autism, the family rescued a 16-week-old Labrador puppy in January 2021 and named him Phil. Determined to give Felicity the support she needed, they undertook owner-training through Pawsable Assistance Dogs CIC.

Phil quickly showed his remarkable ability to alert Felicity ahead of collapses, giving her precious moments to seek safety and preventing countless injuries. He also performs a wide range of autism-related tasks, including deep pressure therapy, crowd control, locating safe exits, and recognising when a meltdown is imminent.

Phil’s outstanding progress led to the opportunity to join the Medical Detection Dogs Owner-Trainer programme, where his skills were further developed by world leaders in canine medical detection. With the support of Dogs for Autism and Medical Detection Dogs, Felicity and Phil became a unique dual-trained partnership, recognised by ADUK earlier this year.

The impact has been extraordinary. Felicity describes her journey with Phil as moving from “surviving to thriving.” She is back on the netball court, studying at college, volunteering at major league netball events, and enjoying public spaces and festivals with a confidence that once felt out of reach.

Phil is more than an assistance dog. He is Felicity’s lifeline, giving her independence, safety, and the freedom to embrace life to the full. In Felicity’s words ‘I have gone from surving to thriving’.

Leo and Cashel – A powerful parnership on and off screen

Jul 1, 2025

When Leo Long was partnered with a tiny 12 week old Cavapoo puppy named Cashel, a remarkable story of partnership and purpose began. Since then, Leo has emerged as a powerful and authentic voice in film, theatre, and music—always with Cashel quietly supporting him behind the scenes.

From Debut to Breakthrough: I Used to Be Famous
Leo made his on-screen debut in the 2022 Netflix film I Used to Be Famous, playing Stevie, an autistic drummer whose life is transformed through an unlikely friendship. The film reached number two in the UK and trended in over 60 countries. Leo’s nuanced performance was widely praised and led to a nomination for Breakthrough Performance at the British Independent Film Awards.

A Talent Beyond the Screen
Leo’s creativity and talent extend well beyond the world of film. His accomplishments include:

• Performing in Much Ado About Nothing with Ramps on the Moon, an inclusive theatre company championing disabled talent.

• Appearing in ITV’s Professor T.

• Contributing as a musician with both the National Open Youth Orchestra and the London Youth Folk Ensemble.

Latest Role: Teardrops from a Clown
Leo’s most recent role in Teardrops from a Clown continues to build on this momentum. The award-winning short film explores themes of connection and understanding through the story of a retiring clown and a neurodivergent teenager. Leo’s performance brings honesty and heart to a film that is already being recognised internationally for its impact.

Cashel: A Constant Support
Cashel plays an essential role in Leo’s life and has been by Leo’s side both on and off camera, offering calm, focus, and a reassuring presence, supporting Leo through the demands of acting and public life.

Leo and Cashel are living proof of what’s possible when the right support is in place. Their partnership shows how an assistance dog can open the door to greater independence, confidence, and opportunity—both in everyday life and in pursuing extraordinary goals. We’re proud to call them part of the Dogs for Autism family.

In Leo’s Words
“Cashel helps me stay calm when things get busy. He’s my best friend and my partner. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Watch this amazing  award-winning short film about connection, understanding, and unexpected friendship here

Teardrops from A Clown