Man's best friend... Endal, the labrador whose support for his owner is truly golden
Last updated 11/14/2008 10:27:04 AM
Endal the truly golden labrador
He's transformed the life of his owner and given him hope where once was despair.
The labrador dog's loyalty has been crucial in the recovery of Gulf War veteran Allen Parton, who was a broken man after being injured and left disabled in the accident during the conflict.
A weapons electronics officer in the Royal Navy, Allen spent five years in hospital and in rehabilitation after becoming a casualty of the war. And when he at last returned to his home in Hampshire, he took his anger out on those closest to him. "I refused to accept I was disabled and I'm ashamed to say I was pretty much horrible to everyone," he admitted.
But his life turned around in 1997 when he went along with his wife Sandra to Canine Partners, an organisation that trains dogs to help disabled people enjoy a greater degree of independence. Self conscious and withdrawn, Allen sat in his wheelchair in the corner, but he caught sight of Endal, a young labrador resting from a training session.
The dog wandered over to the wheelchair, accepted Allen's offer of a welcoming pat on the head and promptly dived on to his lap. A friendship was born. Allen decided to apply to take Endal as an assistance dog. It was only while the forms were being completed that Allen understood and accepted the importance of the psychological step he was taking.
"I had to describe my disabilities and this was the first time I had admitted there was something wrong with me," he says. "It was a cathartic experience. Until I met Endal, I was in the depths of despair. Now I suddenly saw a chink of light."
With Allen still struggling as much with his word recollection as his mobility, Endal's ability to read the sign language with which Allen was sometimes forced to communicate was central to their relationship.
A pat on Allen's head meant, and was understood as, 'fetch my cap.' A touch on Allen's cheek and Endal was off to bring him his razor case. Hands held up? A second later Allen's gloves appeared.
So-called 'tugs', which Endal could pull, were added to everything – doors, cupboards, clothes drawers, the toilet seat – in the Parton house that needed opening or closing or lifting so that Endal could help Allen get dressed, wash and manage the domestic chores.