A partnership from birth

Gemma, a special educational needs teacher, lives in Northampton with her husband and dog Poppy, a three year old white Labrador. Poppy, who she describes as calm and focused, has a very important role to play in Gemma’s life. She is a lifeline to the outside world, keeping Gemma safe when she suffers from an episode of PoTS.

Gemma was previously partnered with Beta, a bubbly black Labrador, who sadly died after only 3 years together. Although working with another dog was odd to begin with, as no two dogs are the same and Gemma noted that her alert was different, she says they bonded quickly. "It feels like she has always been by my side."

Gemma originally approached MDD  after attending a charity event. She says "at the time I was so unwell. I was stuck in the house alone. Life was awful. I was constantly in pain." Now, because Poppy can be relied upon to give Gemma a 5 minute warning of an upcoming faint, Gemma can make herself safe.

"Poppy has given me hope for the future," says Gemma. "Life is so much better. I feel safe to do things independently and go to work. I still get quite unwell but with Poppy’s help I can manage."

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