Molly the spaniel has been awarded an OBE for devotion to her disabled owner

What a little hero!

Molly OBE, Lucy Watts

by Siam Goorwich |
Published on

Molly the spaniel has become the fourth dog to be awarded a PDSA Order of Merit - aka. an animal OBE.

Molly belongs to 23-year-old Lucy Wattswho suffers from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and was awarded the OBE for her devotion to her disabled owner.

We know, it's just TOO LOVELY!

Lucy Watts, Molly OBE
Molly has lived with Lucy since she was a pup (Credit: Lucy Watts) ©Lucy Watts

Molly - who has just turned four - has lived with Lucy since she was an eight-week-old puppy. She was never intended to be an assistance dog, but after seeing how kind and sensitive she was, the family began training her to support Lucy when she was 10-months-old.

Lucy - who lives in Benfleet, Essex - became housebound at the age of 14. A year later she was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - a group of life-limiting genetic connective tissue disorders which means Lucy suffers chronic pain, and as a result often feels withdrawn and isolated.

Lucy Watts, Molly OBE
Molly is always there by Lucy's side (Credit: Lucy Watts) ©Lucy Watts

As well as assisting Lucy with everyday tasks such as getting undressed, picking things up, loading and unloading the washing machine and fetching the post, Molly also provides Lucy with mental and emotional support.

Lucy told Closer Online: "Molly is always there when I need her, through physical assistance, through companionship, and through the positive focus she gives to my life.

Molly OBE, Lucy Watts
Molly has given Lucy the confidence to go out and do her wonderful charity work (Credit: PDSA) ©PDSA

She went on to explain: "She is so perceptive of my condition and how I'm feeling, and will warn me when I am becoming poorly through licking my hands and arms, which we didn't teach her, she has done that naturally. She's always looking out and listening for me and the minute I drop something she is there picking it up. She's just always there, ready to help."

Molly OBE, Lucy Watts
Molly clearly loves her PDSA Order or Merit medal! (Credit: PDSA) ©PDSA

Talking about what it means to her that Molly has been honoured in this way, Lucy - who herself was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her Services to Young People with Disabilities - told us: "It's so wonderful that the PDSA have recognised her for the amazing, life-changing dog she is.

"We think she's a very special dog, as do her 3,700 Facebook followers, but for the PDSA and their Awards Committee to think so too is very important to me."

Although Lucy did admit that she was a bit worried that the award might go to Molly head, saying: "It probably will go to her head - she loves all the attention, she loves the fuss!"

Do you have a loyal doggy companion who goes above and beyond for you? Let us know over on Facebook or Twitter.

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