Support dog Rocky provides knockout aid for polio survivor Rajwinder

At its peak, the highly infectious viral disease paralyzed 3,500 people annually, and although it has since been virtually eradicated worldwide, Rajwinder has been left confined to a wheelchair. 

Until recently, the 44-year-old relied heavily on her husband and carer, Hardeep, for support and couldn’t go anywhere on her own.

But thanks to a Yellow Labrador called Rocky – who has been trained by the national Support Dogs charity – Rajwinder has been able to regain her independence.

Three-year-old disability assistance dog Rocky helps Rajwinder with a range of everyday tasks, from picking up dropped items and opening doors to loading and unloading the washing machine, getting dressed and fetching help.

“Now, if I need to reach for something, I don’t need to call for my husband,” said Rajwinder, who lives in Birmingham and has an 18-year-old daughter called Jaskiran.

“If I drop something, I can’t pick it up, especially if I’m in my electric wheelchair, which is quite high.

“But Rocky can pick things up, open and close doors, load and unload the washing machine, take off my socks, bring my shoes to me and he can pick up his leash, collar and harness.

“I’m so proud of Rocky and so glad I found Support Dogs – it’s absolutely brilliant.”

Polio symptoms include flu-like symptoms and weakened muscles, with a small percentage of people developing paralysis, and it can be life-threatening if paralysis affects muscles used for breathing.

The family have had Rocky as a family pet from being a pup and they applied to Support Dogs in late 2021.

Following various assessments, Rocky and Rajwinder were accepted onto the charity’s training programme in October last year.

After around a year of putting into practice what they had both learned, they graduated at the end of October this year and recently attended a glitzy awards bash.

Hardeep, also 44, said: “We are very grateful to Support Dogs. They have gone beyond expectations.

“Before Rocky, Rajwinder couldn’t really go anywhere on her own. Now she can go for a wander around the park or wherever. Now I’m not worried if she goes out, as she has Rocky.”

Rajwinder, who sells products online, added: “I highly recommend Support Dogs – they are improving people’s lives.”

To find out more about the work of Support Dogs, please visit supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.