From guiding their blind best friend to helping with the confidence of a fearful rehomed pup, a trio of dogs have proven that three really is the magic number.
Four-year-old Collie Cross, Storm, three-year-old Whippet Cross, Ellie, and one-year-old Border Collie, Jetstream, are the best of friends and all aid each other in different ways.
Storm was the first of the three special pups to be adopted by Sian Murphy, a 19-year-old freelance dog trainer from Cwmcarn in Wales when she was just 15.
Initially, Storm was adopted from the Dogs Trust at 8-months-old to help with Sian’s confidence issues that had caused her great difficulty when growing up. With Storm also suffering from a lack of confidence, the pair instantly connected and formed a strong bond.
Noticing that Storm was suffering from severe allergies, causing itching and bald sore patches to form on his skin, Sian decided to investigate the benefits of a raw diet and it was whilst researching, she came across raw and natural pet food brand, Natures Menu.
After switching to a Natures Menu diet Sian saw an immediate improvement in Storm’s condition and he has been fed on the brand ever since, as well as being sponsored by Natures Menu.
Sian comments: “Sometimes people do not realise that many dogs just need a change of diet to help improve health issues. With a simple switch to a raw diet, Storm’s condition has vastly improved and as a result so has her overall level of happiness and contentment. We have seen a big difference in him and it has definitely had a positive impact – we would never consider switching back!”
Three years on, Storm continues to have a spring in his step and benefiting from being fed a raw diet. He can now perform over 600 tricks including backflips, footstalls and even playing the tambourine at schools, nursing homes and dogs shows nationwide, as well as at events such as National Pet Show and DogFest.
However, Storm’s most amazing trait is his care and guidance of his best friend, Ellie whom Sian inherited two years ago unaware that she was partially blind in one eye. Soon she became totally blind in the other eye and required constant care.
Sian adapted her disc training appropriately to suit Ellie, such as putting holes in her Frisbees, so can hear them when thrown towards her, and she went on to become Wales’ first official disc dog. However, she also struggled with confidence issues.
This is where Storm stepped in. Noticing how much Ellie was struggling, Storm has become her guide, allowing her to lean on him as they walk and reassuring her with a cuddle should there be any loud noises she doesn’t like and ensuring strangers were not going to do her any harm – the pair have become truly inseparable.
The final addition to Sian’s terrific trio was Jetstream. Having been kept in a small flat with little training or socialisation, Jetstream’s unfortunate start to life has made him incredibly fearful and with little confidence.
Whilst Jetstream suffers from a fear of people, other dogs, cars and the outdoors, the only time Jetstream feels confident is in the company of his brother and sister, Storm and Ellie.
Sian adds: “They’re the best trio of dogs I could ask for. The amount they’ve taught me, friends they’ve allowed me to make and adventures they’ve taken me on are incredible! But most magical is the memories they’ve helped me make, ones which will certainly last me a lifetime. They’re completely inseparable, relying on each other for guidance, support and cuddles when needed.
“Storm, Jetstream and Ellie have not only helped me become the person I am, the fantastic trio have also grown in confidence with the help of one another. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and couldn’t imagine them ever not being in my life. I am truly grateful!”
For more information on Natures Menu visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk
