Energy, confidence and a whole new way of living

As that thought stayed with her, Nicolette also began thinking about the wider things Todd and Vernon brought into her friend's life: routine, exercise, companionship and a sense of possibility. "In the end, I decided that rather than just wondering about it, I would do something."

Nicolette contacted Dogs for Good, put in an application and attended an information session, where she could ask questions and meet other people considering the same life-changing step. "The session gave me so much to think about. There's a lot to consider when you’re thinking about sharing your life, your home and pretty much every moment of your day with a dog. But it didn’t feel overwhelming. I came away smiling and thinking, 'Yes, this really does make sense.'"

After waiting for the right match, Nicolette still remembers the moment she got 'the call' from Dogs for Good. "I was hosting a Treasurer's Forum when the call came in and, it was so exciting. I was absolutely chuffed to bits. After feeling like my life had been on hold for a while, suddenly it felt like my new life was on its way to me."

A few days later, Nicolette met Kenny: a handsome black labrador who she now lovingly describes as "a complete goofball who's always ready for an adventure." The connection was instant. Before long, plans were in place and Kenny was moving in, ready to become part of her life.

Dogs for Good's instructor team visited every day, gently guiding both Nicolette and Kenny and helping them feel confident together at home and, just as importantly, in Nicolette's workplace. "I gradually shared the news that Kenny would be coming into work with me. With over 1,000 people based at head office, I knew I'd need everyone's support to make it work. The whole business was so invested, and my colleagues were genuinely interested and pleased for me. It was really reassuring to know that although the days I worked in the office would be a bit different, it wasn't going to be a problem."

Kenny's presence at work has brought something special with it too. "Conversations just happen differently now. Kenny brings out a more personal side of people, and we connect more naturally. We don't only talk about work anymore; we talk about Kenny and how brilliant he is, while he's usually sat loyally by my side completely unaware of the difference he's making. People often say, 'He's so good for me, never mind you!' and that makes me really proud and happy," says Nicolette.

Work commitments regularly take Nicolette to London, and she says the first time she took Kenny with her felt a little daunting. But once again, Kenny brought a different kind of energy into the room. "It was a big one," she remembers. "A Bank of England Committee meeting! Quite a formal setting, with people there from major financial institutions. But Kenny changed the feel of the room with one simple shake," she says. "Dogs have this amazing way of bringing people back to themselves. As Kenny settled himself, the Chair of the meeting smiled at me, and that one smile took away so much of the formality. It gave me the confidence I needed for the meeting ahead."

Kenny has also opened the door to more conversations and connections. "I meet and talk to so many more people now. The first time we went out for a free run together, I met a family with their dog, and we had a lovely chat while watching the dogs run and enjoy that downtime. That just wouldn't have happened before. When I think about it, I probably wouldn't have gone out in the first place.

"We're still finding our way together, but having Kenny means I get out to different places. Even when we go somewhere familiar, I see it differently now, through him, and that brings an extra bit of joy."

Nicolette always knew that having an assistance dog would help with the practical side of life and give her a little more capacity day to day. But Kenny has given her far more than that. "The bond between us, the confidence he gives me and the motivation I now have to be more active and more out in the world with him by my side has been completely life-changing."