When seven-year-old cockapoo-cross Mika fell ill last year, vets told her teenage owner Alisha D’Adamo that her beloved pet was a day away from death. For the 17-year-old from Oldham, the pooch was far more than a family pet - she was a lifeline.
In January 2022, Alisha had been taking Mika for a walk when the pup became ‘lethargic’. Back at the house, she wouldn’t eat, and was taken into the vets for some tests and an injection to combat her dehydration.
Despite perking up, Mika took a turn the following weekend, having lost two kilograms of weight in five days, and was struggling to lift her head.
It was touch and go as to whether the cockapoo-cross would make it through the night. At the time, Alisha told her mum: “If Mika dies, I will probably end up dying, too.”
After an emotional night, Mika survived, but was diagnosed with a condition called Addison’s disease, which affects the adrenal glands and the production of cortisol. She is now on medication for life - but that doesn’t stop her from living her best life, after helping her owner to live hers.
Alisha got Mika as an eight-week old puppy shortly after being diagnosed with autism at the age of 11 and said there was an ‘instant connection’ when the tiny pup walked over and sat in her lap.
She was trained to be the youngster’s assistance dog, and has enabled her to live her life to the fullest, from getting out and going to college, to auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent, appearing on Pooch Perfect, and competing at Crufts.
Alisha said: “Mika has changed my life so much - she is my assistance dog for autism and has enabled me to go to college and to get out of the house. When she fell ill it was absolutely heartbreaking as she isn't just a dog, she is what makes me who I am.
“Without her, I would be absolutely nothing.”
Alisha has six additional needs and suffers with her anxiety - particularly after a difficult 2022. In the last 12 months, Mika has been on a long road to recovery, while Alisha’s mother was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, but her canine companion has helped her through it all.
One of the ways Mika helps Alisha is through deep pressure therapy. Alisha explained: “If I am anxious I can put Mika on my knee and the weight of her will calm me down. She goes to college with me, and if I am about to have an anxiety attack she’ll jump up at me and alert me so that I can get out of the room before I get overwhelmed.”
There have even been times Alisha’s anxiety was so bad, she couldn’t leave the house, or has missed out on opportunities - like competing with Team GB in the Young Kennel Club junior agility championships - but Mika gives her that push to live her life and achieve amazing things.
She said: “On the days where I’m really anxious I’d even struggle going to a coffee shop to meet my mum. Particularly if we're going somewhere new I'll take Mika because otherwise I wouldn't leave - that's how dramatic it can be.
“I was previously selected for Team GB in agility, but I didn't end up doing it because my anxiety was too high. When Covid happened my anxiety was through the roof and I just couldn't do it anymore. I’d get to the starting line and I’d just start shaking.”
Originally, Alisha wanted to be a dog groomer, but it turns out that she’s allergic to dogs! Luckily, both her pets are hypoallergenic, and instead, she fancies herself as a dog trainer, and has taught her dogs a range of fun tricks like how to ride a skateboard and do backflips.
Despite Mika retiring from agility as a result of tendonitis, she’ll still be heading to Crufts this year, after qualifying to show at Dogfest in the Scruffts crossbreed competition.
Mika won first place in the Good Citizen Dog Scheme heat at the popular pet festival, which meant that she would be able to go on to compete at the famous annual dog show, Crufts.
Both of Alisha’s dogs have achieved their Kennel Club gold in obedience, have their Good Citizen Dog certificates and have got to grade 4 in agility.
Alisha added: “Qualifying for Crufts again feels absolutely amazing and a dream come true. In 2019, I won in the Young Kennel Club crossbreed dog of the year competition in showing with Mika, then won the following year with Pascha.
“At Dogfest, Mika was brilliant - her heel work was fantastic. I was really, really pleased and when I got picked, I actually cried. I didn't think I’d ever see Mika do a show again, or do anything like that again, so it was quite a moment.
“This year at Crufts we’re going to be in the main arena and it’s being filmed, so it’s just really exciting. It would be a dream to win.
“There are things I’ve achieved that I wouldn't have been able to do with my dogs.”
Crufts is held from 9-12 March 2023 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk
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