Lucy Watts said she’d be ‘lost’ without Molly (Picture: SWNS)

A cocker spaniel has become the fourth dog ever to be awarded the animal equivalent of an OBE for outstanding devotion to its disabled owner.

Molly, aged three, has been honoured with the prestigious PDSA Order of Merit.

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This dog can pick up and fetch items on demand, remove clothing, untie shoe laces, open doors and even help with the washing.

She was nominated by her 23-year-old owner, Lucy Watts, who was made an MBE in last year’s New Year’s Honours.


Lucy, from Benfleet, Essex, suffers with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, which can leave her feeling withdrawn, isolated and unhappy.

Molly helps Lucy with everyday tasks like washing up (Picture: SWNS)

The animal was originally bought as a household pet, but their bond was so strong that she was trained up by charity Dog Assistance In Disability at ten months old.

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Lucy said: ‘Molly is the best companion I could ask for. She seems to instinctively know if I’m in pain or not.



‘She never tries to jump up for a cuddle if I’m uncomfortable.’

The remarkable dog also warns Lucy if her temperature spikes by licking her hands and arms.

And can tell when her blood pressure drops, allowing her to lie her wheelchair down to prevent a collapse.

The was bought as a pet but was trained up at ten months old (Picture: SWNS)

Lucy said Molly gave her the confidence to work for a string of charities as an ambassador and trustee – which led to her MBE.

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She said: Molly helped give me something to focus on. Puppies bring so much joy anyway, but Molly was like a ray of light for me.

‘She gave me the motivation to get up and out of bed again.

‘I’m absolutely thrilled she has been awarded the PDSA Order of Merit.

‘I would be lost without her.’

Molly was presented with the award at the family home (Picture: SWNS)

Molly’s medal was presented at the Watts’ family home by PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin.

He said: ‘Lucy and Molly share a very special bond so it was my privilege to meet them both and honour this wonderful relationship with the PDSA Order of Merit.’

The PDSA Order of Merit The PDSA Order of Merit was introduced in 2014 and aims to recognise animals that have shown outstanding acts of devotion. It has previously been awarded to a police dog who sniffed out firearms, cash and drugs worth £5 million, a coastal rescue dog who saved nine people, and another dog from drowning and a police dog who served during the London riots of 2011.