Support dogs really do come in all shapes and sizes. Frankie the miniature Labradoodle has made a huge difference to owner Sharon Horne’s day-to-day life

Support dog Frankie may be small, but she what she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in her ability to improve the quality of life for her owner, Sharon Horne.

The two-year-old miniature Labradoodle has just qualified as an assistance dog, trained by national charity Support Dogs. Frankie has made an incredible difference to Sharon’s work and home life, by helping her with a range of day-to-day tasks which the average person would take for granted.

Sharon, 54, of Newcastle, has congenital myasthenia, a neuro-muscular condition characterized by muscle weakness which worsens with exertion.

The mother-of-four and grandmother-of-two was recently diagnosed, though she says she has had symptoms “forever” and they worsened over time.

It’s a condition so rare, Sharon, her daughter Jemma and grandson Brandon attend Newcastle’s Life Science Centre, an educational science museum and pioneering science village, where they help with research into the disease.

It makes walking very painful, leaves her fatigued and can result in her falling over numerous times a day.

Things that able-bodied people can do, like forgetting to shut the door once they’re already seated, can be a huge task for Sharon, who uses a walking stick.

But thanks to Frankie – Sharon’s pet dog who has been trained through Support Dogs’ Disability Assistance Programme – she is managing to retain her independence.

Sharon, who works as an independent advocate supporting people with a range of issues, said: “My condition has been getting progressively worse.

“Frankie was primarily a pet. I got her at the end of lockdown because I had become an absolute recluse. I didn’t need to go out for work; I didn’t need to go out at all.

“But then I thought, if I got a dog, and if I could get her trained, maybe she could help me in the house.”

Now Frankie helps Sharon with a range of tasks, whether at home or at work.

“She picks things up, she can open and shut doors and empties the washing machine.

“She finds my mobile phone if I’ve lost it upstairs and if I’m upstairs in the office when the post comes, she goes downstairs to get it.”

And beyond her home office, Frankie helps to ensure Sharon can continue in her career – the pooch is a familiar sight accompanying Sharon to court.

“She enables an easier working day,” said Sharon.

“It takes up a lot of energy – at night I literally have none.

“But she goes everywhere with me – she’s been to court and even plays with the judge.”

Learn more about Support Dogs here.