A LOYAL cocker spaniel who can untie shoe laces and help her disabled owner with the washing has been given a medal for her outstanding devotion.

Three-year-old Molly works as an assistance dog for Lucy Watts, who suffers from loose joints due to a rare tissue disorder. She suffers with chronic pain and is sometimes bed-bound due to complications of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

But after turning up as an eight-week-old puppy, Molly has turned her life around and the pair now share a unique bond.

Lucy, 23, from Benfleet, said: “Molly is the best companion I could ask for. Puppies bring so much joy anyway but Molly was like a ray of light for me. She gave me the motivation to get up and out of bed again.

“She seems to instinctively know if I’m in pain or not. She never tries to jump up for a cuddle if I’m uncomfortable.”

Trained as a Dog Assistance In Disability, Molly supports Lucy on a daily basis with everyday tasks that would otherwise be impossible - such as fetching items on demand, removing clothing and even helping with the washing.

Molly also protects Lucy by warning her if her temperature spikes - which could indicate septicaemia - by licking her hands and arms. She is able to alert Lucy when her blood pressure drops, allowing her to lay her wheelchair down to prevent a collapse.

Lucy added: “She was never intended as an assistance dog but her devotion to me and her training has never wavered. I would be lost without her.”

Molly has now been honoured by the PDSA after being nominated by Lucy.

PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said: “Lucy and Molly share a very special bond so it was my privilege to meet them both and honour this wonderful relationship.

“Molly has helped Lucy in so many remarkable ways, she makes a vast difference to her life on a daily basis. It’s an honour to award the PDSA Order of Merit to such a worthy recipient.”

Molly is just the fourth dog to receive the award, which recognises outstanding acts of devotion, since its institution in 2014.