One of the University of Winchester’s most popular ‘staff members’, Darcy the Golden Retriever, has just been named Service Dog of the Year in the 2023 canine awards run by pet food company Benyfit Natural.
Darcy is assistance dog to Jess Greene, who works as PA to Professor Emile Bojesen, Director of Research and Innovation (R&I) at the University.
Jess has daily migraines as well as ME and chronic pain. A natural “retriever”, Darcy helps Jess by picking up things she has dropped, fetching the post and finding misplaced items like a phone or keys.
Darcy also helps Jess get dressed and can unload the washing machine. “Darcy can even fetch a drink or food items if needed,” said Jess.
Jess has had Darcy, now four, since she was a puppy and she qualified as her assistance dog in September 2022 after training with the charity Dog A.I.D.
“Darcy is very popular around campus,” said Jess. “We have given her the title of R&I Morale Officer as she loves coming into the office and making everyone smile.”
The Benyfit awards were judged by an expert panel before the final decision was made by a public vote online.
Darcy’s prize was a package of Benyfit Naturals treats and a personalised dog blanket.
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