Back in 2013, the High Sheriff’s Trust donated some money to purchase a puppy to train with Ability Dogs 4 Young People, a charity with the aim of training assistance dogs to enhance the independence of young people and children living with disabilities on the Isle of Wight. We were honoured when they called him Sheriff!

Sheriff was placed with a young man called Jon in 2015 and for just over 9 years, Sheriff was his constant companion and best friend, going everywhere with him. Jon has Autism and learning disabilities so he found facing the outside world challenging and very daunting. It was far easier to stay in his bedroom where he felt safe and secure, but Sheriff changed that.
 

Sheriff accompanied Jon when he started at the IOW College and over time gave him the confidence to start walking home on his own or use the bus. They had a wonderful bond and partnership, because Sheriff would sense when Jon was close to a melt down and
comfort him just a little bit more.

Jon has always loved books, so he was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to do some work experience at the Oxfam Bookshop in Newport which he loved! So much so, he is still there twice a week as a volunteer. But Jon also loves history and so more work experience followed at Carisbrooke Castle and again, Jon has remained there as a volunteer enjoying speaking to the visitors during the summer months, with Sheriff by his side.

Sheriff has enabled Jon to find independence, even moving with him into a Supported Living House. Something which was once just a dream is now a reality. When Sheriff turned 11 this year, it was time for him to hang up his working jacket and for him to transition into retirement with Jon's parents and brother in the family home. Oscar was trained to be Jon's successor dog and is doing really well.

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Postscript from the current High Sheriff
 

I love this story, not least because I love dogs and have seen how they can transform the lives of young people and visually impaired friends too. Sadly however, I must share news that Sheriff was diagnosed with cancer a little while ago and recently passed away surrounded by love. The family has encouraged us to share this story anyway, because Sheriff totally transformed Jon's life and has been an amazing assistance dog.