A RUNCORN dental practice had a surprise visit from a patient’s assistance dog that she says has changed her life.

Gill Crosby brought her assistance dog Cooper along to her dentist appointment on Tuesday, April 9 due to the fact she is a very nervous patient.

The 59-year-old has suffered with depression and PTSD for many years and decided to buy Cooper a year ago to train him as an assistance dog.

“The difference that he has made to my life is massive,” she said.

“I’m a different person – I can’t wait to get home to see him.”

Runcorn and Widnes World: Gill has had Cooper since he was 10 weeks old Gill has had Cooper since he was 10 weeks old (Image: Gill Crosby)

Gill, who is a teaching assistant at The Grange Academy, has been training Cooper in her spare time since she got him more than a year ago.

Cooper has passed his bronze and silver assistance dog training with Adolescent Dogs’ training programme, and is now working towards gold.

In anticipation of her dental appointment at Halton Road Dental Practice, Gill asked to bring Cooper along to support her as she has a phobia of the dentists.

“They told me they had never had a dog in there before,” she said.

“I was terrified, and Cooper jumped up on to the dentist chair with me and lay on my lap the whole time.

“It felt like it was nothing because he was there with me.”

Runcorn and Widnes World: Gill is hoping that once Cooper has completed his training he will be able to come to work with herGill is hoping that once Cooper has completed his training he will be able to come to work with her (Image: Gill Crosby)

Cooper gained a lot of attention on his visit to the dentist, as nine dentists and assistants came into the room during Gill’s appointment to see him.

While Cooper currently spends his days with Gill’s partner, Andrea, while she is at work – but Gill is hoping that Cooper will eventually be allowed to come to work with her.