Dog makes "incredible" difference to MS sufferer

A 45-year-old Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferer from Cumbria says that the help she receives from her support dog has changed her life.

Grainne O'Connor, from Kirkby Stephen, was diagnosed with the incurable neurological condition in 2012 and now has very little feeling left in her hands.

Last year Mrs O'Connor was put in touch with "Support Dogs", a national charity who train dogs to help sufferers of various diseases, including epilepsy and MS.

Tori, a black labrador, was given special training to help assist Grainne with a number of everyday tasks, including opening doors, using the tv remote and emptying the washing machine.

Mrs O'Connor said:

"She is trained to pick up anything I ask her to and bring it to me.

"It doesn't matter how many times I drop things she gets it and brings it to me with a waggy tail, looking very pleased with how clever she is."