My name is Nicola Phelan. Myself and my husband Gary have 3 children. 

Our eldest Caroline has autism and we badly needed help as she was a flight risk and very fast!! I need both knees replaced so going out with her solo was out of the question as if she ran I just couldn’t catch her. 

One dark evening in March 2019, Karen knocked on our door with a beautiful black dog called Ola. Encouraged by her younger brother, Caroline slowly approached her and gently rubbed her head. For a girl that was terrified of dogs this was a huge step and the first one in what would become an amazing relationship. 

Shortly after that we did our first attachment. We had planned to go to Smyths but it was shut! Expecting a total hissy fit I was shocked when she calmly accepted this and we kept walking. After that Ola moved in and we continued to be amazed at how life changed. 

One of the most profound moments for me was a trip to Penney’s, just myself, Caroline and Ola. This isn’t something I would ever have done as I would have been too scared I would lose her. With Ola by our side we were all calm and mightily enjoyed our shopping trip. 

All I had ever hoped for was that we could do trips etc safely. I never dreamt that Ola would help her in other ways. 

When going to Tayto park last year I could see Caroline getting overwhelmed on the way in. One big squeeze with Ola and she marched happily in. Ola calms and soothes her in a way nobody else can. She knows when Caroline’s upset and stays by her side until she’s happy again.

I don’t know what would have happened if we hadn’t got the gorgeous Ola, game changer doesn’t cut it remotely. The lock down had my head turned upside down. Caroline adores school and normal holidays are tough going as is. Ola kept her so much calmer. My younger boys and us adore her as much as their sister does. 

I am so so grateful for the hugely important work that MCC do. It’s changed our family so much, we can now do things that other families take for granted.

Nicola Phelan – Caroline’s mom (Co Cork)