SINCE retriever Xenna walked into Jessica Barnes' life a year ago her whole world has changed.

Jess suffers from brittle asthmas, a neurological condition and a spinal chord condition which causes her chronic pain.

The 37-year-old has endured 23 operations in two and a half years, had to give up her job, became dependant on her mother and would barely go out.

But two weeks before Christmas 2014, Jess, who lives in Brighton, was matched with her new best friend by the charity Canine Partners, and Xenna arrived.

Jess said: "I had been given a life back, something to get up for. This dog needed me as much as I needed her.

"Xenna has made me more confident as I have always got to talk to people as she draws attention in her purple jacket. "Before my head would be down and avoiding all eye contact and even changing direction to not talk to people.

"My mobility has gone downhill since having her. This would have probably made me very depressed before, but having Xen, I have to go out. She always comes first so I’m not going to let her be affected and having the happy vibe she has and her zest for life makes me have that too.

Jessica's canine partner can help her in a number of ways.

She can identify Jess's INR level -how thick or thin her blood is.

As Jess suffers from a spinal condition Xenna can pick things up for her.

She can empty the washing machine and fetch Jess's phone so she doesn't miss calls. Xenna can also open and close doors and helps with the shopping by picking up items on the lower shelves.

Xenna also tidies up her toys as she has learnt to put them in a box.

Jess said:"Yes she does have to do some work. I can’t say it’s been an easy time since we arrived home together but I’ve worked hard and am really reaping the benefits of it now as training her is fun and beneficial.

"It increases our bond and I’m always thinking of what else she can do to help me.

"She is way more than what I could have hoped for, and thank you just doesn’t seem enough for everything that this charity has done for me and others like me, to not only allow us to live independently, but happily, and give us a life too."

For further information about how you can support Canine Partners please visit caninepartners.org.uk or call 0846 580480.