Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

How a Support Dog Gave Her Independence Back

Elie-Mai Riddick, a 24-year-old forensic psychology student from Bristol, faced a crisis in confidence when her spinal condition left her dependent on walking aids and forced her to pause her degree. Diagnosed with Scheuermann’s Kyphosis at 16 and later with functional neurological disorder, she struggled with balance despite surgery and found it hard to navigate campus alone. Anxiety kept her housebound or reliant on lifts, and she feared she’d never feel safe walking by herself again. Everything changed when National Support Dogs trained her beloved Labrador Bleddyn as a specialist disability assistance dog.

Bleddyn learned to open doors, fetch her phone and walking stick, help with laundry, and even bark for assistance if she falls, giving Elie-Mai a new sense of freedom. With her support dog at her side, she has returned to Bath Spa University and is making progress in her final year. She now pushes beyond her comfort zone, tackling daily tasks that once seemed impossible and regaining hope in her future career. “I’m so grateful to have Bleddyn,” she says, “He’s given me back my independence,” and her story highlights the life-changing bond between support dogs and the people they assist.

PrevPreviousAncient Survivor, New Butterfly Species Found in Alberta
NextDog Detective’s Nose Stops Illicit Vape RingNext

Recent Articles

Happy News

Bill Nye Will Receive His Well Deserved Lifetime Achievement Award

February 8, 2026

Bill Nye the Science Guy is about to receive one of the highest honors in children’s television when the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards on March 1 at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Read More
Happy News

Taylor Swift’s Kitchen Skills Were Unexpected

February 8, 2026

Taylor Swift has become a beloved member of the Kelce family not just through her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce but also through her impressive skills in the kitchen, particularly her baking abilities that have won over the entire clan including Chiefs teammates. On her podcast Not Gonna Lie,

Read More
Happy News

Will and Jada Smith Support Their Son During Fashion Week Debut

February 8, 2026

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith proudly supported their son Jaden at his debut appearance as Christian Louboutin’s first men’s creative director during Paris Fashion Week, and they reportedly looked to be in great spirits despite living separately since 2016. The couple’s outing marked the first time they had been

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2026 HappyNews.