“My name is David and I have been living in NOVAS Mitchel St Project since August 2023. Previous to this I had been homeless for over 3 years, couch surfing between friends and family. During that time my addiction and dependency on drugs increased and my mental health suffered too. I first met Lola when she belonged to someone else and I could see he was not taking care of her properly. She is a lovely Patterdale breed and I could tell she was miserable. I asked him could I look after her even though I had no home, but I could not leave her there. He agreed and since then Lola has become my forever companion. I was lucky she is such a quiet dog and so loyal that she could stay with me wherever I went.

When I moved into NOVAS at first she would stay with my brother at night and I would collect her first thing every morning. That was my routine for a while until NOVAS staff could see how much I missed her when she was gone. I asked the staff could Lola stay over one or two nights on a trial basis and from then on she got to stay with me full time. Lola is my best friend, she goes everywhere with me, to clinics, to appointments. I get up every morning to walk her and she has brought structure and focus to my life. I have to think about her when I am making any decisions good or bad. I am now very determined to get a home with a small garden just for the two of us. She has also become everyone’s friend in the project, staff and other clients love to pet her and give her treats.

I wish I had met Lola years ago as I feel I would not have gone down the road I have but now I feel any decision I make or action I do are positive ones.

She has been my lifesaver.”