How Albie the Support Dog is saving seven-year-old Seb Dean from danger in Grantham

On countless occasions, his mum, Rachel, would have to chase him as he ran into bodies of water, or he would run straight into a road.

“He has a thing about water – he would run into the sea, or lakes, or rivers or ponds. He just sees it and sprints to it and he’s so quick – he doesn’t care how deep or dirty it is, and he can’t swim. He’s so quick,” says the mum-of-two.

But since graduating as a partnership from the national Support Dogs charity with adorable autism assistance dog Albert, affectionately nicknamed Albie, Seb is staying safe.

When out and about, Seb is tethered to the Yellow Lab and walks beautifully beside him.

His ‘meltdowns’ have also now reduced, thanks to the calming effect of two-year-old Albie.

Rachel, 38, who lives in Grantham and is married to Tom, a 40-year-old engineer for a food manufacturer, said Seb struggles with his sensory processing, and things like loud noises can “spook” him and he can easily get overwhelmed.

Lincolnshire World previously reported how Seb’s aunt, Ruth Treharne, of Sleaford, ran last year’s London Marathon after being inspired by Seb, raising a fantastic £2,221 for Support Dogs.

Seb is non-verbal, but loves to ‘sing’, and although he doesn’t talk, Rachel says he is showing more signs of communication since Albie’s arrival.

“I really think Albie has had a big effect on Seb, not only in keeping him safe, but he’s just more mellow and chilled,” says Rachel, who is also mum to nine-year-old Francesca.

She added that where previously a trip to the shops could take up to 45 minutes, as Seb wouldn’t co-operate and hold her hand, or he would walk in a ‘zig-zag’ pattern, really slowly or refuse to walk altogether, now, with Albie by his side, he knows he can’t run off.

“It’s lovely – the first time they were both attached, they both just ‘got’ it.

“Seb still feels like he’s got his freedom as when is tethered to Albert his hands are free to hold his sensory toys, which are very important to him.”

Another huge turnaround for the Deans since Albie’s arrival is that they can do more things together as a family, including eating at restaurants.

“It’s had a big impact,” says IT worker Rachel.

“Previously we would avoid places as we knew it wouldn’t go down well and end in disaster. It was hard as a parent, but also hard for his sibling, who has to miss out.

“But now, Albie will sit under the table and I think just knowing he’s there helps Seb and makes him feel safe if he goes somewhere new. Albie is a bit like a safety blanket for him.”

Rachel “just knew” something was different about Seb when he was just 11 months old, and when he started nursery, staff there noticed he was behind with his developmental milestones.

He was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.

After realising the therapeutic effect of dogs and seeing a Support Dogs post on Instagram, she made an application to the charity, which trains and provides assistance dogs for autistic children and people affected by autism or physical disability, as “I thought this could work for us as a family and really benefit Seb – and it’s been life-changing, I’m so glad we applied”.

After 12 months on the waiting list, Seb was matched with Albie and he went to live with the family in November 2024. After just seven months, Rachel, Seb and Albie successfully graduated from the programme. They attended the charity’s ‘Class of ‘25’ graduation ceremony late last year.

When it came to being matched by Support Dogs, Rachel wanted a dog “with the same personality as Seb – just fun”.

“And Albie is – he’s just so full of fun and full of love, but also so calm and mature.

“I think their bond is lovely – Albie has just slotted into the family perfectly. Albie has brought so much love and light into our house for everyone, not just Seb.

“I sing the praises of Support Dogs to everyone. They’re absolutely amazing – they have been so supportive, not only in the practicalities of having a dog, but the impact it has had on us as a family.”

To find out more about the incredible work of Support Dogs, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.