A DOG from Dalry has received a devotion award from veterinary charity PDSA for enriching the life of his owner and helping to boost her confidence.

Four-year-old cross-breed Boston was nominated by owner Nicola Russell and her carer, Anna Hinks, for helping Ms Russell overcome her crippling fear of dogs and giving her the confidence to leave the house unassisted.

Ms Russell said: “Boston is more than my dog – he is my best friend. We do everything together and he makes me feel safe and wanted.

“I have a number of disabilities which means I struggle to go out on my own. I always needed my carer with me to leave the house until I had Boston. He puts his head on my lap to keep me calm. Boston has also learnt to walk next to my wheelchair and never pulls me – he is so patient.”

Ms Russell adopted Boston as a puppy, believing him to be a Jack Russell, but as his long legs grew, the 29-year-old found herself the proud owner of a large dog. Boston’s patience and trust in Ms Russell meant that his size wasn’t an issue and the two of them formed an unbreakable bond.

Carer Ms Hinks has seen first-hand just how much Boston has done for his owner.

She said: “Nicola suffers with a number of physical and mental health problems. She often relies on wheelchairs and needs the help of a carer to cope with leaving the house. Even going out into the garden was a real struggle for her. Nicola also had a severe fear of large dogs, after witnessing her grandmother being attacked by a German Shepherd, when she was a toddler.”

With Boston’s help, Nicola has been able to attend dog training classes, including the Prancing Paws class, which teaches dogs heel-work to music.

Boston was presented with his award by PDSA principal regional vet, John Faulkner, at a special ceremony on Monday, February 29 – Boston’s birthday – at the Kirk Dog Training Club. The club is regularly attended by Boston and Nicola.

Mr Faulkner said: “At PDSA, we know only too well the amazing power and impact that pets have on our lives. The PDSA Commendation recognises the outstanding devotion that pets display and celebrates the amazing ways that they enrich our lives. It is clear that Boston has had a massive impact on Nicola’s life and is a worthy recipient of the PDSA Commendation.”

Nicola added: “I am so proud of Boston – he has helped me in so many ways and I am so happy to celebrate with him, along with all of his doggy friends at the Kirk Dog Training Club. We even have cake for Boston’s fourth birthday!”

For more information about PDSA’s Animal Awards programme visit pdsa.org.uk/awards