'Buddy' guide dog helps six-year-old boy conquer his fears

  • Watch ITV Cymru Wales' report by Richard Morgan

Six-year-old Alfie Chesworth was terrified of dogs. Then he met Cooper, a two-year-old Golden Labrador retriever. Living with a sight condition called Septo-Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, Alfie, from Newport, would often be fearful of things that moved too fast.

However, since Cooper came into his life, Alfie is a lot calmer and the pair’s friendship has gone from strength to strength. 

Buddy dogs bring a new friend into the lives of children with sight loss, by helping to develop their self-confidence.

Cooper began life as a guide dog puppy, but was withdrawn from training when he was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. 

Kerry Bevan, head of GuideDogs, said: "Alfie and Cooper are a great example of the positive effect that buddy dogs can have on the wellbeing of a sight-impaired child, helping to develop their self-confidence, improve relationships and build a greater sense of fun and trust in themselves and others.”