Don’t let Milo’s appearance fool you he’s no normal guide dog.
The four-year-old Labrador isn’t just content helping his master with everyday tasks.
No, this adventurous pup loves to go hill-walking, skiing and to concerts with owner Scott Cunningham.
And he’s so adorable he got away with having a chew on the wrist of a member of the Royal Family without so much as a grumble in response!
Milo even has his own Twitter account, boasting famous followers including Clare Balding, Amy Macdonald and former boxing champion Ricky Burns.
The duo from Larkhall, Lanarkshire, feature in a documentary this week telling their remarkable story, which includes raising £250,000 for the Guide Dogs charity.
Scott, who was awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace for his fundraising efforts, said: “We were at the garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh last summer when we had the opportunity to meet Prince Philip.
“He asked if this was a special dog and I explained Milo was my guide dog.
“While we were chatting Milo playfully grabbed on to the Prince’s wrist.
“Of course, I was oblivious to this but the Prince just remarked: ‘I think he likes my wrist’ and laughed.”
Scott was approached by the producers of Me And My Guide Dog to show just what is capable with one of the specially-trained pooches.
The 44-year-old, who lost his sight due to a condition called Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, continued: “We were filmed over 18 months during what I called Operation Year 21, where I celebrated 21 years since going blind by doing 21 different events to raise money and to try and break down barriers for blind people.
“They followed us up Beinn Ghlas, Tinto Hill and even when we went skiing.
“Milo stands at the bottom of the slope and gets me down by barking I follow the direction of his bark to make it safely down and he’s always there to greet me.
“We filmed at the slopes in Braehead and I think it was the first time a guide dog had been in there I just hoped he didn’t leave any yellow snow behind!”
Scott and Milo have been together for three years now.
“Milo is my third dog after Ike and Travis, who is 13 now and lives with my parents.
“Each played a part in my blind adventure and they turned my life around,” admitted Scott, a fundraising officer with The Haven charity in Lanarkshire.
“Without a doubt if it wasn’t for my guide dogs I wouldn’t be here right now.
“They made me more outgoing and we’ve also inspired other people to join us in the outdoors. But it’s always heart-wrenching going from one dog to another.
“When Ike died it was as bad as the day I lost my sight.
“And when Travis retired I was concerned my next dog wouldn’t be able to do what he’d done, but Milo’s strength is hard to beat and he’d fall on a bomb for me.
“He’s just the best guide dog you can imagine.”
Me And My Guide Dog is on STV on Tuesday at 8pm.
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