The story of Makka and Grace

“I needed a door-to-door taxi service to get to & from college, and could not go out anywhere without my Mum. With him I began to independently travel to college, most days using two buses to college and two buses home. There is no way I could’ve done this without the support of my dog – we have come so far!

I still struggle on the odd days when I have to go to college without him, but now am a really confident traveller with him. He comes shopping with me, I can now independently travel to the osteopath/doctors. I can run errands & go to the shops all on our own!

I don’t like people in my space or touching me, Makka will block behind me to stop people coming too close or will ‘orbit’ circle round me to keep people away. He will give me deep pressure therapy when I am getting stressed to help me regulate my emotions. He will interrupt self-injurious behaviour such as picking or nail biting and if I am overwhelmed at college he will guide me to a named member of staff or a place on campus.

Makka will alert me to my anxiety & high heart rate & help me calm down, he is my constant, my soul mate, my best friend. He’s a bit of a doughnut and can be really crazy when free running!”