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I just read a lovely story, it was really touching. Another beautiful story showing understanding and feelings between and dogs and humans.

Read the article here

If evidence were ever needed of the special relationship between man and dog, then you need look no further than teenager Murray Whooley and his goldendoodle Clive.

Not only are the pair best friends, but Clive, a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, has had nothing short of a miraculous effect on Murray’s life and that of his family.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Murray, like many people with the disability, had difficulty communicating and interacting with others, and the ‘outside world’ was a particularly frightening place for him. 

Even a simple errand to the supermarket would result in screaming, tantrums and sometimes vomiting, if he was really upset.

But Clive has transformed his world. The curly-haired canine is adored by everyone he sees and is such an integral member of the family, he’s included in all the family snaps.

In fact, it’s not just his family who want their picture taken with Clive, who lives in Dublin with the Whooley family, he’s been snapped with popstar Ronan Keating, ex-footballer Roy Keane, Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny. 

'He loves the camera and if I say 'Clive look at me', he sits up straight and looks directly at the lens,' said Murray’s mother Fiona, 45.

'He’s ridiculous that way – he’s not your average dog at all.

Clive and Murray were first introduced after his mum Fiona saw an article in a newspaper about autism assistance dogs, part of a pilot scheme being run by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

(read more by clicking on the link i provided!)