A VETERINARY nurse is training her puppy to support her 11-year-old daughter who has just been diagnosed with autism.

Katie Hartnoll, who works at Abbeycroft Veterinary Surgery in Northwich, is hoping Parson Russell Terrier Rodney will be a good companion to her eldest daughter, Cerys and help her become more independent.

The 33-year-old from Middlewich said Cerys has had difficulties since a young age and was only recently diagnosed with the developmental disability, which affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

And after being a vet nurse at the surgery – owned by Willows Veterinary Group – for 16 years, Katie fully understands the support and comfort pets can offer and is optimistic that ‘cheeky’ 10-week-old Rodney can improve Cerys' confidence.

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Katie said: "Cerys has struggled since a young age and finds school and socialising with others quite tough. It was three years ago that we went to see the doctor because she was suffering with anxiety and mental health issues.

"It's been a battle for her but she was recently diagnosed with autism which affects how she communicates with the world around her. She finds everyday situations very stressful and overwhelming and can't read people's facial expressions or tell if they are joking.

"Because of that, she is very isolated and struggles to make friends but she's a bright girl and has a real passion for animals. We decided to get her a pup and train it up to build her independence, help her feel safe in her environment and reduce her stress and anxiety."

Mum-of-two Katie runs Cheshire’s first accredited weight management centre for pets at the surgery in Station Road which is part of Willows Veterinary Group.

The group offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise through a network of 25 small animal practices, a referral veterinary hospital, two equine centres and a seven-office farm practice, located across Cheshire and into Greater Manchester, North Wales, the Wirral and Staffordshire.

Willows is accredited by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Katie wants Rodney to work with a trainer and learn how to respond to Cerys' behaviour and emotions. She also hopes that Cerys will get more positive exercise by walking Rodney.

He has just finished a basic training puppy course with Puppy School Mid Cheshire and will start his assistance training in the coming months.

The reward-based six-week course aimed to give him a positive start for his socialisation and training, and has helped to build strong foundations between him and his young owner Cerys for the future.

Puppy school tutor Debbie Taylor said: “During the course, Rodney has learned many relationship building and confidence exercises which Cerys has had fun teaching him. We are looking to create a strong and positive bond between the two of them and I encouraged Cerys to be involved with his training as much as possible. I'm very much looking forward to seeing their relationship grow.”

Katie has high hopes for Rodney and the support he could offer Cerys, and says she and her family have received fantastic support from charity Cheshire Autism Practical Support.