Four-legged furry friend Vaughn is Susan’s hero
Published: September 16, 2005
A DEVOTED animal described as a hero by his owner has been named Guide Dog of the Year.
Labrador retriever cross Vaughn won top prize at the annual Guide Dogs for the Blind Association awards after transforming Susan Jones’ life with his exceptional work.
Many guide dog owners in Chester will know of Susan as she works for the Cheshire and North Wales district Guide Dogs team based in Helsby. Susan and her guide dog for seven-and-a half-years, Vaughn, also come to Chester on a regular basis to walk around the city’s historic walls.
The amazing dog beat off competition from others around the country at the awards ceremony held at the Kennel Club, London. Vaughn was chosen as overall winner after demonstrating his outstanding loyalty, devotion and work as a guide dog.
Vaughn’s work is even more outstanding considering Susan, 44, also suffers from an occasional loss of hearing which can strike without warning, often leaving her disorientated.
On one occasion Susan, who lives in Warrington, and Vaughn were walking through a shopping centre when she suddenly lost her hearing. Despite Susan feeling disorientated, Vaughn stopped and nuzzled her hand as if to reassure her.
He then pushed Susan’s hand with his nose to turn her back in the right direction before continuing to guide her.
Another time, Susan and Vaughn were on the way home from a run in the park, when Susan’s hearing disappeared. As ever, Vaughn stayed calm and stopped, despite Susan asking him to go forward several times. Vaughn set them both on an about turn and guided Susan in the correct direction until her hearing returned and she could familiarise herself with where she was again.
Freedom
Susan said: “Without Vaughn being by my side, I would have been stranded, unable to hear or see what was going on around me. I rely on my hearing to orientate myself and to lose it suddenly can be very frightening, but I know Vaughn is here to help and guide me in the right direction. It is wonderful to have such a trusting working relationship with Vaughn and he is my hero.”
Bridge Warr, chief executive of Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: “Every guide dog is a winner to their owner, giving them vital independence and freedom. However, we wanted to go one step further and recognise some truly special achievements. Susan and Vaughn have done just that. They are an extraordinary partnership.”
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