Stephen Baker spent nine years serving Queen and country – including three standing guard at Buckingham Palace in the iconic bearskin and red tunic of the Coldstream Guards.
But after sustaining multiple injuries during service, and later suffering two major strokes and several mini strokes, the 63-year-old veteran from Northumberland was left relying heavily on his wife, Angela.
That changed when a remarkable Labrador Retriever named Bailey came into his life.
Trained by national charity Support Dogs, Bailey now provides round-the-clock assistance – and could one day save Stephen’s life.
Bailey has been taught to raise the alarm with a sharp bark if Stephen falls or shows signs of another stroke. Mini strokes, Angela explains, can precede more serious, potentially fatal episodes.
“Bailey is my best friend,” said Stephen.
“It’s not just about giving myself confidence and reassurance both at home and while out and about – my whole family feel a lot more relaxed knowing Bailey is helping to keep me safe and looking after me. Now I don’t have to worry about being left on my own.”
Stephen signed up for the Army at just 17 and served around the world before being discharged after an injury in action. In recent years, his health has deteriorated, with worsening mobility, osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea, and breathing difficulties.
His condition worsens during winter, and Angela says he is “lucky to be here” after two severe strokes in the past two years.
“He got through the strokes but has mini strokes and he stands and can’t call for help and his face drops,” said Angela.
“He is high risk and if I’m in another room I can’t see that happening. But Bailey is trained to respond to a hand signal, if Stephen can move his hand, and spots this and will do a high-pitched bark.”
Although Stephen hasn’t had a mini stroke since Bailey joined the family, Angela regularly practises emergency scenarios to keep the training sharp.
“We test Bailey by me falling on the floor and he responds just as he’s been trained,” she said.
Bailey also picks up Stephen’s walking stick, retrieves clothes and slippers, and opens doors. He even spares Stephen the embarrassment he once experienced in a pub when no one would help him retrieve a dropped stick.
Seeing Bailey in his blue Support Dogs jacket also makes others more aware of Stephen’s hidden disability.
“Bailey is marvellous – he has changed Stephen’s life and mine too,” said Angela.
“I was doing everything for Stephen – I was living his life and I was his body. I’m no longer his body – Bailey is my helper and it’s shared between me and Bailey. It means I’m not on high alert constantly thinking, ‘Does Stephen need me now?’ It’s given Stephen his independence and also means more time for us.”
Stephen agrees: “Support Dogs is fantastic. I never hesitate to recommend the charity to others.”
Support Dogs also trains assistance dogs for people with autism and epilepsy. To find out more, visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 261 7800.