A Carmarthenshire business owner was awarded a National Enterprise Award for training countless assistance dogs in the UK.
Laura Wild is the founder of Wild Spirit Canines, an organisation dedicated to training assistance dogs to help those suffering from autism.
While live on Channel 4 she was granted the Prince’s Trust Natwest Enterprise Award which recognises individuals who have overcome barriers to create a sustainable business.
Laura said: “I was at Crufts [The World’s Greatest Dog Show] and the Prince’s Trust surprised me. It was really exciting and a lovely celebration. My partner and I now want to expand our business and help more people with disabilities.”
Laura was told she won the award while live on Channel 4. (Image: Laura Wild)After being diagnosed with autism in 2019, Laura got her own assistance dog named Summer, who is a five-year-old golden retriever.
Summer assists Laura in her business by teaching other dogs how to interact with their owners, with her understanding of dog body language.
“Aside from all the tasks she does as my assistance dog, Summer is through and through my best friend and my biggest source of unconditional love.
“She is incredibly in tune to me and can recall with a whisper. She has the biggest drive to make me happy and will repeat behaviours if she knows it makes me laugh.
“She was named Summer after 'The summer that changed my life' as I brought her home in July just before going into higher education.”
Laura met Summer after she was diagnosed with autism in 2019. (Image: Laura Wild)Following her accomplishment, Laura had the opportunity to meet HM The King along with other winners of the award.
“It was a pleasure to meet His Majesty The King. The effort that was put into planning and organising the visit to Buckingham Palace clearly showed the care he still has for the Prince's Trust.
“He was so pleased and intrigued to hear about each of our stories and the reasons behind being picked for the awards.”
Laura met King Charles along with other winners of the Prince’s Trust Natwest Enterprise Award. (Image: Submitted)Originally from Stockport, Laura moved to Carmarthenshire in November 2022 to continue growing her business.
Laura continued: “It is always difficult to start up again in literally a different country. I do hope the Welsh citizens will enjoy reading this story and know how much of a lovely county this is to raise and train assistance dogs.
“We know a lot of staff members in Carmarthen shops and have built such brilliant relationships here. Thank you to Carmarthen for being so welcoming to us and all of our dogs in orange-working vests!”
With her dog training, Laura aims to teach people how to have a loving bond with their pet, communicate effectively and understand social cues.
Wild Spirit Canines is based in Pencader and offers a range of boarding services.
For more information about Laura and Wild Spirit Canines, visit the website.
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