Orca
Orca was born on 13 November 2001, and was partnered with his disabled handler, Cheryl Alexander (née Smith) on 28 March 2003. He is a large dog weighing approximately 36 kg. Cheryl is a wheelchair user who suffers from the disabling condition Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy syndrome, a neurological condition that effectively prevents her from walking unaided.
Orca, trained to think for himself, can respond to over 150 commands, including loading and unloading a washing machine, operating an ATM and VCR, open doors and cupboards, bring things from the fridge, untie shoelaces, remove gloves, socks, hats, scarves, shoes and jackets. He can select items from shelves in the supermarket, place them in a basket, and then put the items onto the conveyor. He takes an envelope of money into a shop which does not have wheelchair access and returns with a newspaper. Orca can recognise around 20 objects by name, such as book, blanket, glove, phone, mobile, post and pole. Orca knows his left from his right and knows the difference between his left and the handler's left. He can press buttons for lifts, light switches and pedestrian crossings. Cheryl gives as an example an anecdote, that:
- "she dropped a £10 note on the floor in the bank. A man tried to pick it up for her, but Orca put a paw on it and refused to move until the man had backed off. Then he picked it up and passed it to himself."
Orca is also capable of complex decision making. If Cheryl drops an item that she is unable to reach, Orca will retrieve it without being asked. However, if Orca feels she is able to retrieve the item, he will not interfere. Orca can follow strings of commands, up to a maxiumum of five at a time. For example, if asked to retrieve a book from a table, he can be given the command string; 'Out; up table; get the book; bring it here.'
Since the birth of Cheryl's daughter, Orca has also learned to fetch nappies, baby wipes, and a changing mat. He can help with dressing the baby. This has led to further fame for the Canine Partner.
Orca is still working as of May 2013, at 11 and a half years old.
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