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BLACK DOG FRENCH POLISHING SERVICES LTD

WILLIAMS PAGE

The Directors Cathy Gumbleton and Mark Snowdon would like to welcome you to their Website which hopefully will give you a little insight to the services offered, with 15 years of experience.

Of course we mustn't forget William

Waiting to give you a warm welcome

Honour for brave William

A DOG from Marden who saved his deaf owner's life and won a battle with cancer has had a new business named in his honour.

Mark Snowdon christened his new company Black Dog French Polishing after his faithful friend William, who has served his master for more than six years.

William underwent training at Hearing Dogs for the Deaf but many more of his talents are self-taught, explained Mark, who set up home in Marden three years ago.

Throughout the years, as well as doing the more mundane things such as alerting Mark to when the phone or doorbells rings, William has shown bravery and courage.

"William has actually worked for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf for nearly five years helping me train other dogs and recipients," said Mark.

"But then William developed cancer and had to undergo several operations and had his toe amputated to prevent the spread of the disease.

"Despite this, he still tried to work for me no matter how ill he was, even saving my life when a hotel in Southampton I was staying in caught fire and because of my deafness I was unable to hear this."

Mark and William have been together for eight years - `since the day William was born' - and the dog still regularly visits his mother, who lives in Shelwick.

Although he is officially retired William continues to work for Mark at Black Dog French Polishing in Lower Eggleton .

In his youth William travelled with Mark all over the UK , working with deaf and blind people.

"William accompanies me everywhere and as he is an assistance dog he has the same privileges as a guide dog," said Mark.

"He travels free on flights and gets free drinks on the plane and he sits next to me with the other passengers!"

The pair have also appeared on television, including the Esther Show and Animal Planet. And now in retirement, William's favourite pastime? Helping out at a deaf children's summer camp.

Truly man's best friend

A French polisher from Lower Eggleton has praised a black Labrador lurcher cross dog, called William, for helping him stay in business when his hearing failed.

Mark Snowdon, based at Leighton Court Farm, has been a French polisher for 15 years, but has relied on his hearing dog for the deaf for the past five years.

He said: "I wouldn't be able to run my business without him. When someone is profoundly deaf, a hearing dog is an invaluable partner. People are always intrigued by William and how he assists me.

"He is such an asset. He alerts me to the phone or doorbell, when someone comes onto the premises or into my workshop, or when the fire, burglar or care alarm is activated.

"Going into self employment and running your own business can be very daunting."

In recognition of William's contribution, Mr Snowdon now calls his business, Black Dog French Polishing.