ORCA really was a dog in a million. For more than a decade, the faithful golden retriever helped his owner Cheryl Alexander with everything from fetching clothes or picking up pens to, amazingly, doing the laundry.
Science teacher Cheryl, 33, has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. She has used a wheelchair since she was 18, and got Orca – a “support dog” – though charity Canine Partners.
In 2003, he made headlines after helping rescue Cheryl when her wheelchair plunged down a 20-foot water-filled ditch. He’s been indispensable to her ever since – and quickly established himself as a firm favourite of her one-year-old daughter Lilian.
Now, the ‘wonder dog’ has died – leaving a gaping hole in Cheryl’s life.
Orca had reached a good age, Cheryl admits. “But I wasn’t expecting to lose him quite so suddenly.”
Rest in peace, Orca. You’ll be much missed.
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