27/08/2026
🐾 “He’s my best friend”………but Quill hasn’t just given Joel friendship.......
Emma, Joel's Mum told me something I haven't been able to stop thinking about..... “Since Quill arrived it’s given him a reason to get up again.”
When we introduced you to Julie on our post on Sun 23rd August and explained why she is running the 2027 London Marathon for Support Dogs, we promised to share a real example of the difference an assistance dog can make.
Well, this is 15-year-old Joel and his best friend, Quill. ❤️
Joel has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and now uses a wheelchair full-time.
Quill is Holly’s cousin and was bred by our dog Holly’s breeder—and Joel’s mum—Emma.
Although Quill is a fabulous assistance dog for Joel, he wasn’t trained by Support Dogs, the charity Julie is raising money for. However, their story is a very powerful example of what an assistance dog can make possible.
Emma has a background in zoology and animal behaviour, is an experienced Labrador breeder and, with guidance from a friend and trainer (Helen at Guns n Noses), is training Quill herself.
Quill is still learning and adding new tasks to his list every day, but what he is already doing for Joel is quite extraordinary.
Emma told us:
“Quill helps Joel dress each morning. Fetches clothes, shoes, deodorant, he will put dirty clothes in the wash basket.
He gets a hoist for him, will pick up any dropped items and fetch a number of items by name.
He opens and closes doors, gets help if he needs it. He’s very much still learning but adding new tasks to his list every day.”
But there is one particular task we hadn’t expected......
“He will come find me and pull me to Joel if he asks for me.”
Before Quill, Joel had never gone anywhere without a one-to-one carer.
Emma said “Joel is more confident to speak to people when he has Quill. Joel has never ever gone anywhere without a one to one care but recently felt confident enough to attend a training session with Quill on his own!”
Emma told us that Quill is also beside Joel during an incredibly difficult part of every week.
“Joel is a very sick child and has weekly infusions, he’s had these for years and every week we had a battle to complete this treatment because he was so distressed. Quill now supports Joel during these sessions and he’s so much calmer and relaxed.”
The practical help Quill provides is remarkable—but what he has given Joel emotionally is perhaps even more important.
“Practically he helps out but emotionally he has provided friendship and companionship to a very isolated boy.”
We asked Emma what life would look like without Quill’s support. She said
“Joel relies on us for everything; Quill takes the pressure off by now doing some of these tasks for us. Before Quill Joel’s mental health was also really deteriorating, he gave up and couldn’t see the point of getting up and dressed every day. Since Quill arrived it’s given him a reason to get up again.”
And when we asked Joel how he would describe Quill in his own words, his answer was just four words:
“He’s my best friend.”
Emma also told us something she wishes more people understood:
“They are more than a pet that we like the company of! These dogs are vital pieces of equipment that change lives!”
And this is why Julie’s London Marathon fundraising matters so so much.
Emma considers herself fortunate because she has the knowledge and experience to train Quill herself—but many families don’t have that option.
“It’s a great cause. I’m fortunate I can provide and train myself because so many boys like Joel request dogs from places like Support Dogs and there just isn’t enough to go around.”
Support Dogs trains assistance dogs for autistic children and adults with epilepsy or physical disabilities. Julie’s London Marathon team hopes to raise enough money to help train six more dogs during 2027.
Six dogs who could give another person greater safety, confidence, independence and friendship.
Six dogs who could become someone’s Quill.
If Joel and Quill’s story have helped you understand what an assistance dog can make possible, please, please support Julie’s fundraising if you can.
Link in the comments to make a donation.
Every donation, however small, will help—and sharing this post will help more people understand why these dogs matter so much.
Thank you so much to Emma and Joel for trusting us with their story.
We think Quill is a very special dog—but it’s clear he has a pretty special young man beside him too. ❤️🐾
