Christchurch girl Kate’s tails of freedom with Zara (From Bournemouth Echo)

Christchurch girl Kate’s tails of freedom with Zara

5:00pm Thursday 5th November 2009

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THANKS to her trusty four-legged sidekick, a girl from Christchurch is flying high after gaining some independence she never thought she’d have.

Kate Dowding, 25, suffers from Systemic Stills disease, a form of arthritis, osteoporosis and scoliosis that limits the use of her arms and legs, meaning that since the age of seven, she has been confined to a wheelchair.

Despite this, Kate has always attended local schools and taken part in mainstream education, leading to studies at the University of Southampton, where she graduated with a law degree.

It was during a break in studying, while undergoing hip surgery that she had the idea to get a canine partner.

Kate said: “I wasn’t allowed to put any weight on my hip for six weeks, so it was impossible to go to uni. I was feeling pretty depressed and knew I had to do something.”

After seeing a story about a woman who had been saved by her dog, Kate set about going through the procedures to get her own canine partner.

Matched with Zara, Kate now feels able to take on tasks she used to rely upon her father to help her with.

“Before I was partnered with Zara, I was very dependent on my dad. This lack of independence often made me feel depressed and I had no self-confidence.

“However, since Zara has been with me, I am more cheerful and enjoy life, and I have confidence in myself.”

Kate feels so empowered by her new friendship that she has even started taking flying lessons at a school for the disabled, but because the plane is two-seater there is only room for Kate and her instructor.

She added: “Even though I am only gone for an hour, I think Zara does miss me.

“She always jumps us and gives my face a good wash as soon as Dad brings her and my wheelchair over to the plane when we’ve landed.”

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