A DOG and his wheelchair-bound owner have written a book together detailing all the help he gives her.

Harvey, the doting Labradoodle, welcomed residents at South Wonston for his book signing with Lizzie Dyche at the village hall on Saturday (Decemeber 13).

Together they've written My Big Adventure which highlights how six-and-a-half-year-old Harvey has helped Lizzie get dressed, picked up items she's dropped and generally kept her safe over the last five years.

"He's just a fantastic friend," the 65-year-old said. "It completely changes your life and helps disabled people get over the stigma of talking to people. The dogs are very good at making new friends. Before, some people feel isolated, but with a canine partner they don't need to be."

Lizzie has kypho scoliosis and a bent spine. She relies on Harvey to help her dress and undress and put things away in drawers. He also knows when not to pick up items she's dropped, such as medication, and will wait patiently for someone else to come along.

Their book, which costs £5, has been written to help to give a financial boost to the charity. It means every penny of the 70 plus books sold on Saturday will help raise awareness and funds for future helpful hounds.

"[The book signing] has gone really well", she added. "It's been really nice for people to see what he does to help me. They see him out on a walk but they don't know what he does for me.

"He takes me shopping and helps get items from the shelves at the shops and helps me with the washing. He even sorts the lights from the darks!"

"It's the freedom to go out and about and be safe wherever I go because he's always with me. He knows how to alert me before I get an asthma attack and if I fall he'll go and find someone."

For her husband, 66-year-old Mark, it's a welcome breath of fresh air.

"One thing is it's given me is that I can go out and know she's safe and she can do what she wants to do."

For more information or to purchase the book visit caninepartners.org.uk/shop or call 08456 580480.