Sweet assistance dog 'traumatised' after rushing passenger dropped skis on her

An autistic woman from Nottinghamshire is speaking out after a fellow train passenger injured her assistance dog, Honey.

When the accident occurred, Anna Murray, 30, was on her way home from Crufts with her one-year-old Golden Retriever.

Now she is calling for the public to show more consideration toward working animals - especially on public transport.

Read more: Nottingham news

Anna and Honey were queuing for wheelchair access to the train at Birmingham International Train Station when a rushing passenger dropped the skis they were carrying on Honey, injuring her shoulder.

Anna said: “The incident caused Honey a great deal of pain and she was unable to wear her assistance harness for quite a while. The trauma of the event also left her very nervous of the world. She began jumping at unexpected noises and was wary of strange places.”

Honey is still a puppy, and still in training but is an invaluable support to Anna. The retriever provides Anna with deep-pressure therapy in situations where her social anxiety can become overwhelming.

Honey’s support helps Anna to lead a more independent life and venture into public places.

The accident left Honey unable to work and Anna unable to attend doctor or hospital appointments as she didn’t feel confident to go far without her devoted dog.

“To that inconsiderate, rushing passenger it was just a blip in their hectic day, but for Honey and I, it had a huge impact on both our lives for a long time. It also set her training back. I feel that the public needs to be more aware and careful when meeting assistance dogs,” said Anna.

Thankfully, a vet check showed no serious physical damage to Honey, and it was suggested massage might help. 

So Anna booked her in for a session with Galen Massage Therapist and Whole Energy Body Balance (WEBB) Practitioner Katy Conway, of Time for Pooch Canine Massage, of Hickling, Melton Mowbray. With some gentle reassurance, massage helped to release the physical pain and emotional tension, leaving Honey moving better after just one session.

Anna said: “Honey has had several WEBB sessions now and she’s much happier and confident. Not only has it helped her physically, but it’s also helped her emotionally too. She’s up to her old tricks, putting her nose where she shouldn’t! I can’t believe how much she’s bounced back. I could see an improvement after the first session."

Now Honey is back in training, supporting her mum and opening up her world again.

Katy said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet Honey and to ease both her physical and emotional tension. It was a very unfortunate incident and being a puppy still, it deeply affected Honey. I’m delighted to hear Honey and Anna are now back out in the big wide world again.”

You can learn more about WEBB and canine massage at www.timeforpooch.co.uk