Ocho
The Frehel Fellowship 2025 is awarded to Ocho, an exceptional assistance dog whose service embodies the highest ideals of the human-animal bond. Thanks to him, Chloé Hammond, the only practitioner in a wheelchair working alongside an assistance dog in the UK, has become empowered to pursue her life’s mission and maintain her professional independence. Ocho has become an irreplaceable force, and their partnership stands as a powerful testament to the human-animal bond, serving as a driving force behind the values of integration, autonomy, and inclusion.
Dear Ocho,
It is with great emotion and honor that Noble Alliance announces you as the recipient of the distinguished Frehel Fellowship Award. This award, in addition to recognising the excellence of your work as a service dog, honours above all the unique bond you have formed with Chloé—a bond built on trust, love, and solidarity. A bond that goes far beyond the support and assistance you provide, and is evident in every moment shared between you.
When we first learned of your story, dear Ocho, we were touched by the beauty of the bond that unites you and Chloé. Your presence by her side illuminates her daily life and allows her to continue pursuing her profession, providing her with a strength she never thought possible.
Today, the significance of the human-animal bond does not yet receive the recognition it deserves, and yet, Ocho, you and so many other animals stand as a testament to the transformative power of this bond.
The work you accomplish, day in and day out, is not merely measured in terms of tasks or duties, but in terms of what you bring to Chloé’s life and to the lives of those you encounter. You provide assistance, yes, but also serenity, love, and an immeasurable source of happiness, and so much more.
Chloé, in her great generosity, shared with us the role you play in her life. Through your loyalty, your courage, and your ability to calm the storms of her daily existence, you offer her what no human could provide with such purity: unconditional love. It is in this light that we wish to honor you, dear Ocho. For beyond your role as a service dog, you embody a true vocation: that of alleviating, comforting, and opening new horizons, and by your very existence, elevating the human-animal bond— a value we seek to have recognized through Noble Alliance Geneva as a universal value of humanity.
This award honors the unbreakable bond you have built together—one that must never be challenged, only defended and nurtured. It is a testament to the enduring strength of your relationship, where trust and love reign supreme, and a recognition of the profound example it sets for all who witness it.
We also express our deepest gratitude to Chloé, who, with such grace and determination, embodies the voice of assistance animals. She is an extraordinary ambassador for the recognition of the role these animals play in people’s lives, and her dedication to you, Ocho, serves as an inspiration to us all. It is thanks to individuals like her, and companions like you, that we can hope to see one day this human-animal relationship fully valued, respected and nurtured in all its depth.
Dear Ocho, we extend our sincerest congratulations to you. You are a living example of what can be achieved when one acts with love, devotion, and trust. You are a true hero and this award, despite its recognition of your actions, is foremost a tribute to what you represent for Chloé, for Noble Alliance, and for the world at large. The bond you share is a model of what we all aspire to experience: an indestructible bond, a pure love, and unwavering support between humans and animals.
With all our admiration and gratitude,
Noble Alliance
An Extraordinary Journey Beyond Limits
The Assistance Dog Who Transforms Lives
A Daily Hero
Some dogs do more than accompany us. Some carry us, mend shattered lives, and transform each day into a victory. Ocho is one of them. Yet, if Ocho is a hero, it is primarily because he is the heartbeat of a unique story—one of dedication between a woman and her dog.
“Ocho is not just an assistance dog. He is my companion, my healthcare worker, my ambassador for the cause of assistance dogs, and my best friend,” says Chloé Hammond, a British nurse and the only practitioner in a wheelchair working alongside an assistance dog.
An Exceptional Partner
Ocho is the silent strength behind Chloé, enabling her to continue her nursing career despite significant obstacles. “He allows me to live independently. His actions make it possible for me to carry out my daily tasks: loading the washing machine, tidying up, getting dressed, opening doors,” Chloé explains.
Beyond his physical assistance, Ocho possesses a remarkable ability to anticipate Chloé’s needs, such as alerting her before the onset of migraines. He is more than a working partner—he is a trusted ally who provides freedom and peace of mind. His presence is transformative, empowering Chloé to lead a full life and fulfill her mission as a nurse.“He is the reason I can continue my profession. Without him, I couldn’t. He improves not only my quality of life but also that of my patients,” she emphasizes.
A Companion Unlike Any Other
Ocho is family. Each night, he curls up with his head on a pillow, sighing contentedly in his sleep. He has a soft spot for fish—a love that somehow makes his fur even silkier. Fireworks leave him wide-eyed with wonder; to Chloé, they’re “good thunder,” lighting up the sky. And when it’s time to celebrate, he proudly wears his lobster costume, standing beside Chloé as the Little Mermaid. Ocho isn’t just there to help—he is warmth, comfort, and endless joy. He offers Chloé far more than practical assistance—he is an irreplaceable source of happiness.
A Dedicated Ambassador
Beyond his daily duties, Ocho plays an active role in advocacy. As an ambassador for assistance dogs, he helps raise funds to support the cause. Additionally, through his work with Pawsable, he contributes to training future assistance dogs by providing exemplary demonstrations.
A heroic act that many will never forget
What truly defines Ocho as a hero is his ability to go beyond mere assistance. “Ocho saved my life. During a medical emergency, I stopped breathing. He immediately recognized the severity of the situation, placed his nose in my mouth, and woke me up. Thanks to his instinct and training, I was able to receive the care I needed in time,” Chloé recounts.
A Hero in Healthcare and Social Services
Not only is Ocho Chloé’s guardian—he is a source of comfort and strength to the patients she serves. In hospital rooms and care facilities, his presence provides reassurance, soothing fears that words alone cannot reach. With Chloé, he offers warmth and understanding, bringing a sense of connection in moments of vulnerability. His steady gaze and gentle presence remind patients that they are seen, valued, and never alone in their struggles.
A Tribute to Chloé and Ocho
We sincerely thank Chloé for her dedication and generosity in shining a light on assistance dogs and the significance of their bond. “My thanks to Radis Community Care for their support, which allows us to continue making a meaningful difference in patients' lives,” she shares. Through Chloé and Ocho, we hope this extraordinary bond will one day receive the recognition it deserves.
This prestigious award honors Ocho for the lasting impact he has had on Chloé’s life and the many others they touch. His bond with Chloé elevates them as true heroes of everyday life, embodying the power of the human-animal bond that Noble Alliance strives to have recognized and embraced universally.
Power in action
1
supporting the only practitioner in a wheelchair working alongside an assistance dog.
24
hours a day, Ocho is by Chloé’s side, supporting her every step of the way.
4
years old and already an extraordinary force, Ocho has accomplished so much.
What are Assistance Dogs?
Assistance dogs are canines specifically trained to perform tasks that mitigate the functional limitations experienced by people with disabilities. These dogs undergo structured training programs, often spanning multiple years, tailored to the individual needs of their handlers. Task performance can include, but is not limited to, navigational guidance for people with visual impairments; auditory signaling for people with hearing deficits; mobility assistance, including balance support and retrieval tasks, for people with motor impairments; medical alert behaviors for conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition causing lightheadedness, fainting, and rapid heart rate upon standing; psychiatric service dog tasks, including deep pressure therapy and interruption of self-harming behaviors, for people with PTSD and anxiety disorders; and autism assistance, providing sensory regulation and behavioral interruption for people on the autism spectrum.
The presence of an assistance dog can demonstrably increase handler independence, facilitate social integration, and reduce reliance on human caregivers. Quantitative measures have shown improvements in quality of life metrics for people partnered with assistance dogs. Ongoing research focuses on refining training methodologies and objectively evaluating the impact of these interventions. Ethical considerations regarding animal welfare and adherence to rigorous training standards are integral to the provision of assistance dog services.
Behind the Scenes
