Dog A.I.D. (Assistance in Disability) has been making a significant impact since its establishment in 1992, dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals facing physical disabilities. By empowering them to train their beloved pets, Dog A.I.D. not only improves the quality of life for these individuals but also plays a crucial role in enabling day-to-day tasks and, in certain situations, life-saving interventions.

In my role as an artist, I am passionate about shedding light on the incredible work of Dog A.I.D. Through my art, I aim to bring attention to the inspiring bond between assistance dogs and their owners. One such heartwarming example is Ocho, an assistant dog specially trained to support the remarkable nurse, Chloe Hammond. Despite being diagnosed with a rare disease at the young age of 15, Chloe's resilience and determination have led her to become one of the few disabled nurses in the UK.

Chloe's remarkable journey has garnered well-deserved recognition. She was honoured as This Morning’s Inspirational Woman on International Women’s Day in 2023, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Animal Star Awards, and was acknowledged with the Stars of Social Care Exceptional Home Care Nurse Award.

I’m honoured to be producing this portrait of Ocho in order to promote the difference assistance dogs make to the life of their owners and the fantastic work Dog A.I.D provides. This portrait holds special significance as it will be presented to Chloe upon completion, serving as a heartfelt token of my appreciation for her inspirational journey.

If you are interested in exploring more examples of my pet portraits, I invite you to visit https://katiesimsart.co.uk/pet-portraits. Your support and interest contribute to spreading awareness about the impactful work of Dog A.I.D. and the extraordinary individuals, like Chloe, who benefit from their services.