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Meet the working dogs that don't stop for Christmas

Meet the working dogs that don't stop for ChristmasElizabeth KaneJojo, an autism support dog, is an invaluable companion 365 days a yearBy now, many of us are off work for Christmas Day and enjoying switching off with family and friends. Not so, for many of Northern Ireland's dogs with jobs - the four-legged professionals who keep working just as they do at any other given time of the year. But even while working, their families are making sure they still have some festive fun and treats - as well as a lot of love. BBC News NI meets some of the working dogs who will remain on duty over Christmas.'I love her - she's one of my best friends'Elizabeth KaneLucia says dog Jojo is her best friendChristmas is often a time of excitement, of more noise and bright lights, a time of festive hustle and bustle. For Lucia Kane, 17, from Crumlin in County Antrim, that can make it a more challenging time. She is autistic and has Tourette syndrome. Her support comes from Jojo, a seven-year-old black Labrador - one of Assistance Dogs NI support dogs. Jojo senses when stress levels rise.

A cker spaniel sits beside a outdoor Christmas tree. In front of the tree are two stuffed toys

A cker spaniel sits beside a outdoor Christmas tree. In front of the tree are two stuffed toys

Credit: Co

Key Highlights

  • She responds by lying close or across Lucia to help calm her.
  • Jojo's presence offers reassurance when things become too much."I really do love her, she's one of my best friends," Lucia told BBC News NI. Elizabeth KaneJojo became part of Lucia's world five years ago Lucia's mum, Elizabeth Kane, said Jojo transformed her daughter's life when the Labrador became part of the family five years ago."She gives Lucia confidence and helps her talk to people," she said."Her presence de-stresses any situation one million percent."Elizabeth KaneJojo has recently recovered from a period of ill health"Christmas can be a lot more challenging," Elizabeth added.
  • "If we go out, there are more people, and [if] there is more people and more noise, Jojo will not leave Lucia's side."This Christmas, Elizabeth said, feels especially precious for the family. Jojo recently survived a serious illness after swallowing a stone.
  • That left Jojo very poorly and Lucia distraught.
  • "Lucia didn't sleep, didn't leave the house," Elizabeth said. Now fully recovered, Jojo will be spoiled a little more this Christmas, she added."Lucia will wrap her presents and Jojo will open them herself," she said."There will be extra gifts this year – and definitely turkey and ham on Christmas Day."Keeping people safe at ChristmasPSNIIgi, on the left and Kodi, pictured right, will be working in the north west on Christmas DayIn Londonderry, a busy Christmas may lie ahead for Igi and Kodi. Like many emergency service personnel, this police dog (PD) pair have work to do over the holidays."Unfortunately both Kodi and Igi will be on duty this Christmas Day," Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Insp Neil Harrison said. A few rest days will come after, he said, adding that then they can enjoy their presents and get some rest. PSNIOften a bark or stern look from Igi can defuse a tense situation, Insp Harrison saysPD Igi, a German Shepherd Dog, is a general police patrol dog.
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  1. Meet the working dogs that don't stop for Christmas

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