Fifteen-year-old Lucie Lewis featured alongside her family in Channel 4’s The Dog House – a series described as a dog dating show where abandoned dogs are matched with hopeful new owners.
In the episode, Lucie, who has cerebral palsy, explained to staff at Woodgreen Pets Charity she has been wanting a dog to keep her company for six years.
After searching for a pooch with a “calm” and “cuddly” personality, the charity matched Lucie with nine-year-old Poppy who she now describes as her “best friend”.
Lucie's classmates at Valence School met Poppy in assembly
After watching the show over the summer holidays, Lucie’s friends and teachers at Valence School in Westerham were excited to find out more about Poppy when Lucie returned to school in September.
The school organised a special assembly so Lucie could bring Poppy into class and tell her friends all about the experience. Lucie’s mum Katie Lewis introduced Poppy to each member of the class before they asked Lucie questions about Poppy, her personality and her favourite foods.
Matt Strange, head teacher at Valence School, said: “This September Lucie returned to school so excited, and you can really see she feels an affinity with Poppy and it’s clearly making a difference in her life and with her confidence.
“Her classmates were really excited about meeting poppy. Most of them have seen the show already, but we showed parts of the programme in the assembly, and they were able to ask questions.
Lucie, her mum Katie, and carer Lucy visited Valence School with Poppy
“Communication and interaction are things we have lessons on anyway, so pupils were able to carry on with the work they would ordinarily be doing, but on a subject that is new and exciting, and gives them a purpose. For them to be able to meet the dog and ask the questions in the same session has been lovely to see."
Since adopting Poppy, Lucie’s mum Katie says she has seen a huge boost to her daughter’s confidence.
Katie Lewis said: “Having Poppy has made her much more confident when she is out in public and speaking to new people because she is so proud of Poppy, and the fact she has her own dog.
“It’s not as easy for Lucie to achieve everyday things like other people so and the fact she has her own dog is a big deal. It has been a really positive experience for her because it has made her feel happier overall.
“I felt really proud of Lucie when she was talking about Poppy at school. She was nervous and excited, and she did really well at answering the questions. It was lovely to see her in her class environment doing something for herself.”
“Their experience shows the power of connection and how Kent schools like Valence School are creating environments where young people can thrive.”
Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, praised Lucie’s journey saying: “It's wonderful to hear about Lucie and Poppy’s journey finding each other. Their experience shows the power of connection and how Kent schools like Valence School are creating environments where young people can thrive, be celebrated, and feel empowered to share their stories.”
Lucie’s appears in series 8, episode 2 of The Dog House which aired on Thursday 28 August and is available to watch on the Channel 4 website.
