LOCKDOWN has been rough on us all, but for one Powys family getting through it has been made easier thanks to their new four-legged friend.

Golden retriever Vesper was an instant hit with Eve Hellier-Smith and her children, Rubin and Molly, when he arrived at their Crickhowell home last October.

The family, whose hobbies include paddle-boarding, hiking and wild swimming, began documenting Vesper’s adventures via his very own Instagram account, @vesperbuddydog_adventures, which has since gained more than 450 followers.

Vesper was introduced to the family by the charity Guide Dogs as part of its ‘Buddy Dogs’ service, which enables children and young people with a vision impairment to enjoy the benefits and friendship of a well-behaved dog.

Rubin, six, has nystagmus and is registered blind. He has no sight at all in his right eye and limited vision in his left. Sister Molly, eight, is fully sighted.

“Vesper has given Rubin more confidence when we go out and about. If we stop for a rest while Vesper is off the lead, Vesper comes straight back to check that Rubin is OK,” mum Eve said.

“At home, Vesper enjoys cuddles with Rubin and if he is tired they lie next to each other on the floor. Rubin and Molly love spending time in the garden with him playing tug of war or fetch.”

Guide Dogs began rolling out its Buddy Dogs scheme in Wales last summer and Eve applied immediately. “Four months later, we had Vesper,” she said. “I was surprised and grateful at how quickly it all happened, especially during the Covid crisis.

“We attended a couple of online webinars to find out what buddy dogs were all about, then we went to Leamington Spa for a short training session.”

Vesper, who’s three, was a good fit for the family’s outdoor lifestyle. “He never wants his walks to end,” added Eve of their new canine friend who’s become the family’s new star, as well as a star on social media.

“When the children were off school, we were able to explore and go on adventures to places like the Sugar Loaf mountain.

“I enjoy wild swimming in the River Usk, but if it’s too high I go to the Keeper’s Pond in Blaenavon. I've tried Vesper on the paddle board but it was too wobbly for him. I put the children in wetsuits and they paddle. They've been swimming once or twice but it gets cold quickly.”

Vesper originally followed the same training path as a normal guide dog, but the change of career to buddy dog suited his affectionate nature. “I've taken Vesper into town alone for a couple of trial runs, and he's a different dog with his buddy dog jacket on,” said Eve.

“It’s as if he reverts to guide dog mode and it takes my respect to a different level. I'm looking forward to taking Rubin out and knowing that Vesper is going to be fine in busy situations.

“I would love it if Rubin could have a guide dog in the future and he will learn so much from Vesper. I hope many more families living with sight loss will benefit from this amazing service when they realise how well behaved these dogs are – so different from an ordinary pet.”

To find out more about the Buddy Dog service in Wales, ring 0800 781 1444 to book a place on one of Guide Dogs’ upcoming webinars.