THE unbreakable bond between a partially sighted man and the guide dog he says allowed him to keep doing the job that he loves has been recognised in a national competition.

Jeremy Fletcher and Labrador retriever Quest have been selected as finalists for the Beyond the Call of Duty Award at this year’s national Guide Dogs Annual Awards.

Since the perfect partnership began in 2015 Quest has become a firm fixture not only at Swindon Borough Council’s offices where Jeremy is based as a senior child protection manager, but to the children and adults he works with.

Jeremy said 'big softy' Quest was one of a kind:

He said: “Quest is a very unique and unusual guide dog, he is truly exceptional. He is not a typical working guide dog in the sense that he has a fixed daily routine. I travel all over the country, in my job there is no routine and any guide dog I got would have to be comfortable with that which Quest is.

“In my job there are often emotionally charged situations. Quest really picks up on people when they are feeling vulnerable. Not only that but he acts on it. In fact he will leave my side to go and sit next to a parent or a child if they are upset or feeling vulnerable. He really loves and needs social interaction.

“Even in the office, if someone is having a stressful phone call Quest will immediately go to them and they will stroke him and it always works.”

Fiercely independent Jeremy has battled sight problems since birth and for years refused to use a white stick.

But when he and his family became concerned for his well-being while out and about, especially at night he contacted Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Jeremy was matched with Quest after a two year wait, with the canine companion recently ringing in his third birthday

The father-of-two, who has worked in the field for 25 years, said Quest’s dedication gave him the security to keep doing his job.

He said: “Guide Dogs did a fantastic job matching us.

“I want people to understand that guide dogs can be so much more than what they do for their owners. The awards will also raise awareness for Guide Dogs for the Blind which is great.

“Quest has allowed me to keep doing the job that I love which I may not have been able to do if I didn’t have him.

“I can’t say he has saved my life if I am crossing the road but he has given me the independence and the confidence. My family who were worried sick about me before are a lot more comfortable now,

“He is a real family dog. I wouldn’t be without him. We are a team.”

In his down time Quest enjoys a country run or munching on his favourite snack of carrots.

Jeremy and Quest will attend the glittering awards ceremony at the Hurlingham Club, London on May 17