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

Zoo Shut Down & Animals Were LEFT BEHIND, Until Now

November 7, 2025

Five years after Argentine authorities shut down the notorious Lujan Zoo over safety concerns, 62 big cats and two brown bears that were left stranded in substandard conditions are finally being rescued in one of the most complex animal operations ever undertaken in Argentina. The zoo was famous for letting

Read More
Happy News

Library Uses Indigenous Teachings To Heal ENTIRE Community

November 7, 2025

David Brass was on his usual daily walk through Regina’s downtown library when he heard powwow drums echoing through the hallways, and following those sounds led him to a community that would change his and his daughter’s lives forever. The Culture Connect: Indigenous Teachings program offers weekly drop in sessions

Read More
Happy News

Actor Calls Kidney Donation To Stranger A NO BRAINER

November 7, 2025

Oscar nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg revealed live on the TODAY show that he is donating one of his kidneys to a complete stranger in mid December, calling the decision a no brainer for anyone with the time and inclination. The 42 year old star of The Social Network and Now

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 © 2025 HappyNews.