AuraEdition 26

Support Dogs Charity Magazine

“The world seems a

kinder place now Bailey is with us”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:• Epilepsy Seizure Alert Dogs

• Giving rescue dogs a second chance

• Sponsor a support dog

supportdogs.org.uk

For me this determination was even more acute as only a few hours before that event, I had been elected as the new interim Chair of the charity. It is a huge honour to take over from Kym Stretton, who has given so much to Support Dogs.

I take on this role at a really exciting time for the charity. As you will read in this magazine, the impact and importance of its work is undeniable. Sadly neither is the demand for it’s services. Every 10 hours the charity is contacted by an individual or family in need of our help. Our current resources mean that we can currently help only one in every 50 who call us for support.

We are in the process of developing a five year plan of growth for the charity, so we can better tackle this demand. Key to this plan is a move to a larger, more appropriate training centre. This will also require increasing our staff and equally importantly our core base of volunteers, from patron, to trustees, ambassadors, foster carers and fundraisers.

In this magazine you will see more information about the roles of trustee, foster carer and ambassador. All vital to our growth and so if are interested in any of these role please do get in touch.

We are delighted to have gained the support of many businesses over the past six months with CVS Vets, Yorkshire Post and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce all joining the likes of Burns Pet Nutrition, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and Sheffield Mutual in committing support to us. We encourage other business big and small to please get in touch and help our charity.

Despite our limited resources Support Dogs has also been hitting the national headlines again, including coverage on BBC Children in Need. Publicity like this is hugely valuable in giving vital exposure to our work, but so is the power of word of mouth. I urge you to please share this copy of our magazine with friends, family and colleagues and help us to raise awareness of our charity in places that our limited resources mean we cannot currently reach.

Barry Brackner, Interim Chair

Innovative and inspiring - Support Dogs needs your voiceLast November left me speechless. The depth and the range of impact

that a support dog can have on an entire family was so movingly

explained by beneficiaries at the charity’s unique graduation

ceremony that few could have left it without a renewed determination

to give the support that this wonderful charity deserves.

It’s Support Dogs’ passion

and commitment to ensure

that people affected by

autism, epilepsy and physical

disability can enjoy a greater

level of independence.

We aim to do this by providing, training and supporting Registered Assistance Dogs.

We provide:

Autism Assistance Dogs for children aged 3 – 10 years with autism. The dogs are trained to provide safety for the child and reduce stress in social environments.

Seizure Alert Dogs for people with epilepsy. The dogs are trained to provide a 100% reliable, 10-55 minute warning prior to the onset of an epileptic seizure, which enables them to get to a place of their choosing and take control of the situation.

In some instances it has been reported that Seizure Alert Dogs have also been shown to reduce seizure frequency.

Disability Assistance Dogs for people with physical disabilities. The client’s own pet dog is trained to perform tasks which are specifically tailored to their individual needs; examples of these tasks include:

• Opening and closing doors

• Raising the alarm

• Fetching the post

• Loading and unloading the washing machine

• Assisting with dressing and undressing

Support Dogs is a registered charity and does not charge for its services. However we rely entirely on voluntary donations and receive no government funding.

About Support Dogs

Support Dogs

21 Jessops Riverside

Brightside Lane

Sheffield

S9 2RX Registered Charity Number: 1088281

www.supportdogs.org.uk

info@supportdogs.org.uk

Twitter: supportdogsuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/supportdogsuk1

To sponsor a dog today call Support Dogs on

0114 2617 800 or to donate by MMS, text

SDOG15 £5 to 70070

Searching for stars

Support Dogs’ dogs come from a wide range of backgrounds and the charity doesn’t have its own

breeding programme. Some of the dogs the charity source come from the Guide Dogs breeding.

Support Dogs also focuses its skills and resources in talent spotting hidden stars from rescue

centres across the country and in pet dogs who are needing to be rehomed.

Dogs like Forster, who for the past five years has been

Jane’s Disability Assistance Dog.

Forster was found at about 18 months old at a Sheffield

rescue centre. He was about to be put to sleep when a

member of staff from the centre saw something special

in him and contacted Support Dogs. Helen Wright from

Support Dogs’ dog supply team explains, “When we first

met Forster he was barking a lot and seemed unsettled.

He came forward and then was happily following

us around. When we took him out of the kennel

environment he became a lot calmer and clearly enjoyed

being around people and wanted to make a connection

with them, which is what we were looking for.”

Jane says: “He was three years old when he eventually

graduated and the difference he makes to my life is huge.

He not only helps me with practical day to day tasks, he

also helps enormously with pain relief. He knows when I

am in pain and will calmly and patiently lie on my knees

or next to my side to ease it with his body heat”

Stars: Forster & Jane

4

Forster & Jane

Disability Assistance Dog Duffy was trained after being

found by Support Dogs on a rehoming website.

Disability Assistance Dog Alfie was first found

at the Wood Green Animal Shelter. His owner

Judith explains: “He was abandoned as a puppy

outside the animal shelter and was rather

traumatised by his bad start in life. He hated

being left alone and would howl when you tried

to touch his collar. Support Dogs helped us both.

“He is so much more than the tasks he does; he

gives me confidence to go anywhere I want. He

has completely given me my independence back.”

Through Support Dogs it is not just the quality of

the owner’s life that is transformed but often also

that of the dog’s.

If you can help please phone

0114 261 7800 or email

info@supportdogs.org.uk

Stars: Alfie & Judith

If you have or know of a pet

dog that is needing to be

rehomed, then perhaps you

might consider Support Dogs.

We are currently looking

for dogs aged between 10

months and three years.

Helen Wright explains: “We

are looking for dogs who are

simply confident and happy

with people and other dogs.

All dogs will be assessed

before being accepted by

the charity and some specific

breeds may not be suitable

for our programmes.”

Alfie & Judith

DO SOMETHING AMAZING!We are looking for people to do something amazing while raising vital funds for our charity.

The following are just some of the events that you can take part in to raise funds for Support

Dogs. For more details visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or phone 0114 261 7800.

Skydiving: any day, across the UK

The ultimate thrill for adrenaline junkies and a great

way to raise funds to transform someone’s life.

Raise sponsorship for Support Dogs and freefall

skydive from 10,000 feet, while strapped to a fully

qualified BPA instructor.

You can skydive from a number of airfields across

the UK.

Minimum sponsorship £395

London Marathon: April 2016

Support Dogs has a number guaranteed places at

this world famous marathon. Deadline to apply for

a place is 7 November.

We ask that you are able to raise a minimum of £1,200 in sponsorship for the charity.

TrekFest Peak District: 5-6 September 2015

Sign up to take on the challenge of completing a

54 mile trek in 24 hours, 27 mile trek in 12 hours OR

a 13 mile trek in six hours while in the middle of the

stunning countryside that makes up the UK’s most

popular national park.

Minimum sponsorship target varies from £120 to £440 depending on the trek you choose.

London to Paris Bike Ride:

22 July & 16 September 2015

Starting in London, our 300 mile, four day route

takes us through glorious English countryside to

the ferry from Dover to Calais. Once ‘French side’,

we push on cycling along quiet French country

lanes, through traditional market towns with views

of the rolling green hills of northern France. Get

ready for a fantastic charity bike ride – the tarmac

in France is superb, and cycling is the nation’s

favourite sport so don’t be surprised when the

locals make way for you and cheer you on!

Minimum sponsorship level £1,380

24 Peaks Challenge: 5 June & 2 October

This exciting challenge will see us summit an

incredible 24 peaks in the Lake District, all over

2,400ft with a target trekking time of 24 hours!

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful

areas in the UK, filled with breathtaking mountains

and valleys – it is the perfect backdrop to this

awesome challenge. The days will be long and

the trekking tough, but the rewards of hiking into

the heart of this amazing National Park and the

accomplishment of conquering 24 peaks will

make your efforts worthwhile.

Minimum sponsorship level £620

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DO SOMETHING AMAZING!

Morrisons Great Yorkshire Run:

27 September 2015

The Great Yorkshire Run, launched in 2007, took

Sheffield by storm with almost 5,000 people

taking part in the first event.

The event has grown into a weekend of family

fun and now includes the Junior & Mini Great

Yorkshire Run, as well as live musical performances

entertaining the crowds throughout the course

and across the city centre.

£25 to enter

London Trekathon: 26 September 2015

Take on a 26 mile trek through London. From

the Olympic Park, pass famous sights including

Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye and

St Paul’s Cathedral as we walk through the heart

of the city.

This is a tough one-day event through the

urban landscape; at approx 26 miles, it forms an

enormous challenge for walkers. There will be full

support throughout the challenge with marshals

and water stops along the route. Wheelchair

accessible.

Minimum sponsorship £100

Land’s End to John O’Groats Bike Ride:

1-13 September 2015 & 10-22 May 2016

Pedal 1,000 miles, end to end, on this classic

challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats, the

furthest possible distance in the British Isles. From

the rocky cliffs and pounding seas of Land’s End,

through the rolling hills of Dartmoor, through the

stunning mountains of the Lake District and along

the Lochs of the Great Glen to our finish line at the

northernmost point of the UK mainland, it is the

most fabulous way to see the UK and one of the

biggest achievements you are ever likely

to accomplish!

Minimum sponsorship target £2,700

Ben Nevis Trek: 12 June, 19 June & 2 October

Trek to the top of Britain, on this exciting

weekend charity challenge conquering Ben

Nevis! Our challenge takes us into the heart of

the breathtaking Western Highlands, in order to

conquer the highest peak in Britain set at 1,343m

(4,409ft) above sea level.

Our trail to the summit is technically easy, but

trekking Ben Nevis is a strenuous challenge

– stamina and determination are a must! The

stunning views of the Highlands will be with us

all the way and provide a fantastic backdrop.

£25 to enter

For more details please email: info@supportdogs.org.uk or phone 0114 261 7800.

Many more events and challenges are listed at www.supportdogs.org.uk

Sheffield Mutual will make donations through their Mutual Friends Scheme and you could treat yourself with a £10 gift card.

Mutual Friends is a brilliantly simple scheme, enabling you to raise some much needed funding for Support Dogs.   You can ask for information on any of the various savings, investment and protection plans for adults and children offered by Sheffield Mutual and if you then decide to take out a new plan, we’ll make a monetary donation to Support Dogs - it’s that simple!   All you need to do is select the Mutual Friends option at the start of your online application, or if using a paper application form write ‘Mutual Friends’ followed by ‘Support Dogs’ in the ‘How did you hear about us?’ section of the form - we’ll do the rest!  

Here are a few examples of how much Support Dogs could receive:

£60 for a £25 per month Tax Exempt or Regular Savings Plan

£75 for a £5,000 Investment Bond

£100 for a £10,000 Investment ISA   The donation is made by Sheffield Mutual and will not affect your plan. We’ll also send you a £10 gift card* as a thank you. You can choose from M&S or Love2shop (subject to availability)

&There are lots of ways you can help to raise funds for Support Dogs…

Here’s one you weren’t expecting and everyones a winner!

Please contact us today for further information about our plans: 

Visit www.sheffieldmutual.com where you can apply online or

Call 01226 741000 (Mon -Fri 9am to 5pm)  Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society,

3 Maple Park, Maple Court, Wentworth Business Park, Tankersley, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3DP Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

and the Prudential Regulation Authority. *Please note that the Mutual Friends scheme cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion, or any fee or commission

arrangement, and may be withdrawn or amended at any time Donations and gift cards are issued up to 3 months after the policy has started.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE… to not only your life, but also your loved ones and for those who need the help that Support Dogs provide. Much like Support Dogs who work tirelessly to provide life changing partnerships to those who need help and support, Sheffield Mutual work solely for our members, all our surplus profits are shared with our members but, as a Mutual we also like to give something back to the community.

Support Dogs provide a 24 hours a day, 365 day a year support service for all our graduated partnerships. This continues throughout the partnership’s entire working life, and sometimes even beyond.

Natasha Ellis head up Support Dogs’ client support service that the charity offers. We asked her about her role.

How would you describe your role?

I have been at Support Dogs for over 15 years and the charity has changed massively since then. My role primarily is to ensure that standards of care and training are maintained between a beneficiary and their support dog throughout their working life.

We want all beneficiaries to get the most they can from the amazing service and support the dogs offer. Equally we want all our dogs to enjoy their work and have received the best possible care.

At what point do you start working with a client?

Each partnership receives a six month review after they first graduate from training. This is usually carried out by the instructor who has been working with the family and support dog for the previous 18 months during training. After this point I take over as their main point of contact for the charity.

What does your role involve?

One of the joys of my role is the variety it offers. Clients generally contact me at four main points.

•When the support dog has health orbehaviouralissues.

•When the client has had changes in their own health or condition that may require changes in the way they work with the support dog. It may be that they require the support dog’s role to change andbetrainedtoprovidedifferent oradditionaltasks.

•When the client’s needs alter due to a lifestyle change. A support dog might be working with a client for up to eight

For our disability and epilepsy programmes, as one dog begins the retirement process we begin the process to train and match the client’s next support dog. My role is to ensure that this process is as smooth as possible. I also need to ensure that the retiring support dog has a healthy and enjoyable retirement.

If it is not possible for the retiring support dog to stay in that client’s home as a pet, then we spend considerable time finding them the best possible loving home to relax and enjoy their later years in.

The completion of training of a support dog and their owner marks the start of a new and unique relationship that will last until the dog retires.

A life time of support

years and during that time some significant changes may have occurred in a person’s circumstances. For instance they may now live alone, or have a job. These may affect how they require the supportdogtoassistthem.

•If they wish to taketheirsupport dog abroad with them.

I love problem solving and one of the most satisfying parts of my job is identifying new ways in which we can train or employ a support dog to carry out a task that makes a significant difference to that client’s life. I meet with all our clients at least once a year for an assessment and review of the partnership.

What is the most difficult part of your role?

I also work with the clients as the support dog begins the process towards retirement. Support dogs must generally retire by the age of 10. However sometimes changes to their health may mean that we need to retire them earlier.

Whatever the reasons for the retirement of a support dog, it can be a difficult and unsettling time for the client. A support dog partnership is a very personal and intimate relationship with each dog being matched and trained specifically for the individual client. The bringing an end to this relationship is not only sad, it can also bring uncertainty, as the client fears losing the increased independence and positive life changes gained from the partnership.

9

We were prisoners in our home, until Bailey changed our lives

From being a seemingly healthy little

boy, at the age of two and a half

Charlie suddenly changed.

His mum Kirsty explains: “He’d been

a happy little boy who met all his

developmental milestones. But one

morning I walked into his bedroom

and he was screaming. He seemed

different. Over the next fortnight,

he got worse. Just getting dressed

would result in huge tantrums – “for

months he lived in a nappy and a

T-shirt as it was so traumatic for him.”

Charlie lost all his language ability; he

wouldn’t allow anyone to touch him

and he stopped making eye contact

with people, including his mum. He

would only sleep for one hour each

night meaning that he was awake for

the remaining 23 hours of the day.

Charlie would become extremely

stressed and repeatedly bang his

head, leading to bleeding.

Kirsty, who used to be a primary

teacher and also worked with

children with special needs,

realised within weeks that Charlie

had autism, but he wasn’t formally

diagnosed until he was three.

Kirsty was told his symptoms were

so severe he might need to go into

care aged 10 as he would be too

much to handle.

Kirsty said she was determined not

to let this happen. She was sure that

she could still reach out to Charlie

and was determined to ensure he

had the best start to life. But she

also knew that she would have to do

something radical.

While Charlie became more settled

at home, with a support system

around him, leaving the house was

almost impossible.

Kirsty explains:

“Wecouldn’tattenddoctors’

appointmentsorevengointo

theshops.Inasupermarket

Charliewouldbecomeso

distressedthathewoulddropto

thefloor,screamandbanghis

headrepeatedly.

The only way I could get Charlie out

of the house was in a wheelchair.

However, if a plane went overhead

or if a bus stopped close by,

Charlie would become stressed and

inconsolable. We were unable to get

out more than once a week, it was

just too much of a challenge”.

When Kirsty heard about Support

Dogs she put his name on the waiting

list. It was the best thing I could have

ever done. I spent five years hoping

and praying every day that we would

get the call. Then finally it came and

it changed our lives.

“There was a dog for Charlie, a black

Labrador named Bailey. Charlie’s

autism is so severe I was unsure how

much difference Bailey could make

but I couldn’t have been more blown

away. From age two and a half years

old Charlie had never walked on his

own two feet but the first time he was

attached to Bailey he walked down

the street for the first time. After

seven and a half years my son was

walking on his own; it makes me want

to cry every time I think about it”.

Now Charlie, Kirsty and Bailey go for

walks every single day. Kirsty tells us:

“Now we have Bailey, we finally have

a life. We’ve even be able to take a

trip to North Wales together”.

Before I couldn’t leave Charlie in a

room on his own just to have a quick

shower as he has no sense of danger

and could injure himself. But now

Bailey barks to warn me if anything is

wrong. When we leave our front door

Bailey is a godsend and Charlie’s best

friend. Once he’s attached to Bailey

the world makes sense. Just having

him attached to him means he can

process sensory information better.

Now if something worries Charlie, like

a noise, he crouches down and hugs

Bailey instead of having a meltdown.

And I no longer get disapproving

looks from passers-by.

“It’snotjustCharlie’slifethat

Baileyhaschanged.Heknows

whenI’mbecomingstressedor

anxiousandcalmsmedown.I

lovehimandI’msogratefulfor

everythinghedoesforusboth.

Theworldseemsakinderplace

withBaileywithus”.

Charlie and Bailey’s story is proof of how Support Dogs Autism Assistance Programme can transform the lives of children with even the most severe forms of autism.

10

“Now we have Bailey, we finally have a life”

Can your business give us more bark?

Small local business? Multinational organisation?

Whatever your size – you can make a lasting

change to the lives of adults and children affected

by autism, epilepsy and physical disability.

There are lots of different ways that companies support us, from donations to our ongoing work, to sponsoring the

annual costs to the charity of a support dog working in their

local area, to donating a percentage of sales or assisting us with pro-bono help.

Businesses like Sheffield Mutual raise funds for our work by donating every time customers purchase a financial package with them and every time someone likes them on Facebook. Burns Pet Nutrition are donating to our training costs but also providing free nutritional advice for our clients and trainers and subsidising the cost of food.

Sounds Commercial and Irwin Mitchell assist us with marketing costs, while CVS Vets and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce are among those who have chosen us as their charity of the year.

Please get in touch to find out how your business could be involved with Support Dogs.

Working with schools and community groups

Support Dogs is very grateful for the wonderful support we have received from a number of schools and community groups over the past year. If you would be interested in your school, rotary, WI, Inner Wheel, golf or any other community group being involved and learning more about Support Dogs’ work please phone:

0114 261 7800 or email danny.anderson@supportdogs.org.uk

Support Dogs make final of national charity awards

Support Dogs innovative corporate partnership with JTM saw the charity

being selected as a finalist for the prestigious Third Sector Awards.

Commerical laundry experts JTM worked with Support Dogs to develop

the world’s first dog operated washing machine, which grabbed headlines

across the world. The Woof to Wash machine partnered the ability of trained

support dogs to load and unload washing machines with the functionality to

run a pre-set wash on the command of the dog’s bark.

Glittering Graduation

Celebrates Support Dogs Stars

The 2014 Support Dogs Graduation and Awards Lunch was the charity’s biggest to date and we thank everyone who attended, as well as Burns Pet Nutrition, Mercury Taxis and Tankersley Manor for sponsoring the event.

As well as celebrating all the partnerships that had completed their training over the previous 12 months, the event also allowed us to celebrate and say thank you to just some of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the charity. Our 2014 award winners were announced as:

• John Fisher Special Recognition Award Kym Stretton and Tony Brown Griffin

• Volunteer of the Year Karen Handbury

• Corporate Partner of the Year Burns Pet Nutrition

• Fundraisers of the Year Azerley Clay Shoot

• Young Volunteers of the Year Oliver and Malachi Gill

• Client Fundraiser of the Year Tina Riley

• Client volunteer of the Year Jane Sharpe

• Foster Carers of the Year The Connor family

• Partnership of the Year Lynne Baggley and Harvey

The 2015 Graduation Ceremony takes place on Sunday 8 November at Tankersley Manor, Tankersley, South Yorkshire.

If you would like to attend or help with sponsorship for the event please email: info@supportdogs.org.uk

John Burns collecting the award for corporate

partnership of the year for Burns Pet Nutrition

Sheffield High Sherriff John Bramha with Titch

12

The story of Tony Brown Griffin

and Seizure Alert Dog Hetty

is just one of many films that

you watch about the work of

Support Dogs via our website:

www.supportdogs.org.uk

Hetty is the UK’s first dual trained seizure alert/ guide dog as her owner Tony has both epilepsy and is registered blind. Trained jointly by Support Dogs and Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hetty provides Tony with a 42 minute warning before a tonic-clonic epileptic seizure and a 15 minute warning before an absence seizure. This is in addition to the guiding support she provides Tony.

WATCH ONLINE NOW!

D O G S O N F I L M

Dates for your Diary Support Dogs AGM Saturday 6 June. Hilton, Sheffield.

Bark in the Park Sunday 19 July. Hillsborough Park, Sheffield.

Join Support Dogs for our big summer fun day taking place at Hillsborough Park, Sheffield from 11am. Teaming up with Sheffield Wednesday FC Owls in the Park event, we will have doggy displays and our annual dog show with categories including Waggiest Tail, Best Biscuit Catcher, Golden Oldie and Top Singing Dog, as well as many stalls and games for all the family.

Don’t miss Bark in the Park!

Support Dogs Graduation and Awards Lunch 8 November. Tankersley Manor, South Yorkshire.

For more details phone:

0114 261 7800 or email

info@supportdogs.org.uk

Could an Epilepsy Seizure Alert Dog transform your life? Seizure Alert Dogs are trained to give a 100% reliable up to

50 minute warning before an epileptic seizure. It gives their

owner real control of their condition, enabling them to get to

a place of safety and privacy before they have a seizure.

It has enabled many of our clients for the first time to be able to leave their home and live a more independent life, safe in the knowledge they will receive a warning before a seizure affects them. In some instances it has been reported that Seizure Alert Dogs have also been shown to reduce seizure frequency.

If you, or someone you know, is over the age of 16 years and has a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, maybe a Seizure Alert Dog could be the next step.

To apply for a Seizure Alert Dog you must fit within certain criteria, which include:

• You must have a six month diary of your seizures prior to sending in an application

• You must experience at least 10 major seizures per month

• You must not have had any changes to your medication six months before sending in your application and it must not change throughout the training period (if accepted)

If you, or someone you know, fits the criteria above, why not contact us for an information pack.

Call: 0114 2617800 or email: info@supportdogs.org.uk

Thanks to seizure alert dog Venus, Angie has been able raise her daughter without the assistance of a carer.

13

Support and save on your bills

Support Dogs have teamed up

with low cost utility provider

Utility Warehouse in a new

fundraising scheme where they

will donate a percentage of your

monthly utility bills to our charity.

Switch your utility bills to the

Utility Warehouse Discount Club

and they will give a donation of

up to 5% of your household bill

every month to Support Dogs.

For more details go to: www.

utilitywarehouse.org.uk/k57137

Foster caring for Support Dogs

Katie Roberts with her husband Eric have been foster carers for Support Dogs for two years. We asked Katy about how they have found the experience.

How did you hear about Support Dogs?

We had been living in Mauritius for several years where we owned three beautiful dogs but sadly were not able to bring them back. I was also recovering from serious illness and back in this country we soon realised that a house is not a home without a dog. It felt empty and soulless and one of the ways of filling that void without the commitment of owning a dog outright was to foster one.

I am a dog lover but an erratic work schedule had always prevented me from owning one for life. Despite this we would always seize any dog walking or dog sitting opportunities for friends.

Were you nervous about doing it and were the nerves justified?

Not at all! On the contrary a dog in our lives was like manna from heaven and opened up a whole

new world. Just watching him grow and mature into a huge 40 kg adult was a joy in itself, both for me and the people he met. Our trainers carried out regular home visits and organised obedience classes and made us feel part of the team. Support Dogs also takes care of vet and food expenses and even arranges holiday cover.

What have you got out of foster caring/puppy socialising?

It gets you out and about, boosts your confidence, keeps you fit and you get to take your puppy everywhere from supermarkets, cafes, cinemas, public transport, restaurants, pubs, hotels, dance classes, sports centres…the list goes on! I’ve also learned a lot

about Support Dogs and the great work that they do and met some wonderful and caring people.

I’ve also learned a lot more about dogs and what makes them tick and of course, it’s been huge fun getting up close and personal with them at various stages of their training. I’ve also learned that to do this job you need a sense of humour, a lot of time, patience and commitment but the love and affection that your dog gives back is priceless!

How have you dealt with saying goodbye to the dogs?

We always knew that Clayton would never be ours forever and steeled ourselves from the outset knowing that one day he would be leaving us. It is easier said than done but the upside to all this is that as Clayton enters the next stage of his life we know that he is going on to help transform someone’s life. Through Support Dogs we will continue to learn about how Clayton is getting on and we will keep in touch with his new owners.

Other ways to volunteer with Support DogsBucket shakers

We organise a large number of

supermarket collections in South

Yorkshire and we are often in

need of volunteers to help with

this. A list of dates is found on

our website at:

www.supportdogs.org.uk

Ambassadors

Would you be interested in

helping to tell the Support

Dogs story and raise funds and

awareness through giving talks

to groups in your local area.

Then please email:

danny.anderson@supportdogs.

org.uk or phone 0114 261 7800

Collection box coordinators

We need your help to get our

collection boxes in shops and

businesses in your local area.

Then after a few months we’ll

need you to go back, empty the

boxes and send us the funds.

You’ll have the satisfaction of

knowing that the money you are

helping to collect will make a real

impact on people’s lives.

14

Support Dogs is always in need of foster carers to help our dogs in training. Each day, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, the dogs ‘come to school’ to do their training at our centre in Sheffield. We have dogs that need fostering from anything between a one week to a 12 month period.

Poppy’s given me my life backBobbie Hubbard-Marks worked in nursing for over 33 years, in a career that included time

spent as a combat and medical assistant technician and volunteering to provide medical

support during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

However, shortly after retirement while on holiday in Bulgaria, Bobbie’s life was turned upside down when, after a fall, she was left permanently paralysed from the waist down.

Understandably having lived such an active life, caring and supporting others, Bobbie felt that her world was in tatters. Even so, despite such a devastating prognosis and being in great pain, Bobbie remained positive in extremely difficult circumstances.

Bobbie and her partner Jenny agreed they would like to get a pet dog and so it was that Poppy, a four month old black Labrador, bounced into their lives. A couple of months later, Bobbie heard about the work of Support Dogs and how their disability programme can train someone’s pet dog to become their registered assistance dog. They got in touch and after much waiting and then almost a year of training, Poppy graduated as Bobbie’s Disability Assistance Dog in November.

“Support Dogs are amazing,” says Bobbie. “They are very understanding and tailor the training to what people actually need, finding

solutions for any problems.”

Now Poppy helps in all sorts of ways, from opening doors and cupboards, helping Bobbie to dress and undress, fetching things for her, picking things up and even loading the washing machine. She can also speak on command to attract attention and go for help if ever Bobbie needs it.

“I would say to anyone who is thinking about getting help through Support Dogs to just do it. The training is hard work and takes a lot of time but it’s worth it and is so rewarding. They help you to rebuild your life, and in doing so it builds confidence. It’s a two-way thing, Poppy and I care for each other. She gives me a goal to get up for in the morning.

“Without Poppy, I found that people didn’t talk to me, they talked about me, over my head as though I wasn’t there. Now with Poppy they talk to me. I’ve got my independence back again and feel confident about going out on my own. I am a human being again. Whatever I need Poppy to

do, she will do it. It’s as though she’s holding a bucket and saying ‘throw anything at me, I’ll catch it’. She’s given me back my life“.

Our board of trustees is made up of volunteers

from a range of backgrounds including business,

healthcare, third sector and beneficiaries of the

charity’s services.

We are currently looking for new trustees to strengthen

our board. This is at an exciting time for the charity

as we move forward with a strategic plan for growth

to meet the overwhelming need and demand for our

services. We are currently looking specifically for

trustees with a background in human resources or

financial management.

If you would like to be part of an inspiring, innovative

charity that makes a positive life changing impact on the

lives of children and adults living with some of the most

challenging of conditions, please get in touch.

Email: rita.howson@supportdogs.org.uk

or visit: www.supportdogs.org.uk

Could you be a Support Dogs trustee?

15

Fantastic FundraisingHundreds of supporters have been

helping us over the past year to raise

vital funds for our charity. Very sadly

it is not possible to thank nearly

enough of you in our magazine.

However, here is just a taster of some

of the different ways that some of

you very kind people have helped:

Knitting groups at Crystal Peaks and

Frecheville Library raised £100

Staff at Marks and Spencer,

Meadowhall donated £100 instead of

sending Christmas cards

Allied World made a £10,000

donation through their staff charity

nominations scheme

Worcester Concert Brass raised

£600 through their Christmas

concerts

Swindon Golf Club raised £111.20

through a ladies evening

Brenda Cuppit and friends raised

£4,750 through knitting and cake

sales through the year

Fiona Jagger and Katrina Thompson

raised £300 through a Boxing Day

dip in the North Sea

The David Brooke Charity gave us

£2,500 for specialist harnesses and

leads

St Swithuns School raised £779

through their collections at school

performances

Holgate Hospital raised £250

through coffee mornings

Harthill WI raised £350 through cake

sales

Alferton Golf Club raised £1,500

after choosing us as their charity of

the year

Westlands School raised £850

through a school dress down day

Staff at Sheffield Mutual raised over

£1,000 through skydiving

Kirsty Sutherland raised over £400

by getting sponsored to take photos

of her dogs Barley and Tegan at all

50 dolphin statues in Aberdeen

Carol, suffers with chronic fatigue and severe mobility problems including arthritis. Billy, like all our Support Dogs, has been trained to meet Carol’s specific needs and to help improve her independence and significantly improve her quality of life.

Carol tells us: “Billy has given me my independence. That’s one of the things I value most in life. Before he was an assistance dog I dreaded going out shopping where I frequently had to deal with problems such as dropping something and having to climb down clumsily on the floor to pick it up”.

One day Carol collapsed whilst gardening and somehow superhero Billy, thinking completely for himself, was able to find Carol’s carer’s house, alert her that something was wrong and lead her to where Carol lay unconscious. Without the quick-thinking Billy, Carol’s situation could have been a whole lot worse. Billy undoubtedly saved Carol’s life.

“It is heartbreaking to know that there are so many other people out there who desperately want to be helped by the services that Support Dogs provides. The charity relies on voluntary donations and I know the vast impact their work has. I have put Support Dogs in my will, so to ensure that others can also benefit”

“I’ve put Support Dogs in my will to ensure their work continues”

The importance of leaving a legacy

Almost 25% of all donations made to Support Dogs are through people who have kindly remembered our charity in their will. These donations provide a vital contribution to our work, enabling more people to benefit.

However only 42% of adults in the UK have made a will. By making a will you can decide what you would like to leave to family and friends and whether you would like to leave a gift to a charity whose work you care about. It doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult to make a will and Support Dogs have teamed up with Red Apple Law to make the process easier.

Carol and Billy

Carol Willacy is owner of support dog Billy, benefiting from the charitys’ disability assistance programme. She explains why she has chosen to leave a gift to the charity in her will.

Visit: www.suppordogs.org.uk/legacy for more details about remembering Support Dogs in your will or phone Danny on: 0114 261 7800

We are hugely honoured and grateful to all those who have sadly passed away since our last issue and left donations to our charity in their will. This includes Mr John Ross who so kindly left a legacy of £5,000 to our work.

Support Dogs Merchandise supportdogs.org.uk

Item

Yellow Dog Brooch

Brown Dog Brooch

White Dog Brooch

Black Dog Brooch

Button Badge

Stationary Gift Set

Mug

Murdoch the Support Dog Mascot

£5 Gift Card

£10 Gift Card

£20 Gift Card

Postage

Price

£6.00

£6.00

£6.00

£6.00

£1.00

£4.00

£7.99

£5.00

£5.00

£10.00

£20.00

£2.99

Qty Total

Total:

Name

Address

Postcode

Tel

Email

Please complete the form and

return with a cheque payable to

Support Dogs to:

Support Dogs, 21 Jessops

Riverside, Brightside Lane,

Sheffield, S9 2RX

or order online at:

www.supportdogs.org.uk

Order Form

£2.99N/A

NEW IN! Support Dog Brooch

17

£5

£10

£20

Sponsor a Support DogTransform the lives of children and adults affected by epilepsyh autism, and physical disabilities by sponsoring a support dog, for as little as £1 per week.

You can sponsor any of the dogs below or visit our website www.supportdogs.org.uk to see more.

Breed: King Charles Spaniel Job: Disability

Assistance Dog Home: Merseyside Birthday: 1 July

Breed: Yellow Lab Job: Autism Assistance Dog

Home: Northamptonshire Birthday: 7 November

Breed: Black Lab Job: Seizure Alert Dog

Home: Kent Birthday: 21 August

Breed: Jack Russell Job: Disability Assistance Dog

Home: Lancashire Birthday: 24 October.

Breed: Flat Coat Retriever Job: Seizure Alert Dog

Home: North Wales Birthday: 8 June

It can take up to two years to train a puppy to be

a support dog. They come from a range of sources

including rescue centres and rehomed pets.

When you decide to sponsor a dog you’ll receive three updates a year,

a sponsorship pack including a special photo certificate of your new pal

and a FREE soft toy!

PuppiesVenus

Billy

MintaBaby

Hetty

18

Make a Difference with a One-Off Donation.

£5 £10 £20 Other

Card No.

Card Holder Name.

Valid From. Exp. Date CV2 no. (3 digits)

I’d like to donate by:

Debit/Credit Card Cheque (Payable to Support Dogs)

I would like to sponsor a support dog

BABY MINTA HETTY BILLY VENUS PUPPIES

Payable to: Lloyds TSB, 14 Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HP.The account of Support Dogs Ltd A/c No. 03938225 Sort Code: 30-97-51 or please send a cheque payable to Support Dogs to the address below.

Name

Address

Postcode Tel

Email

Monthly Amount:

£4 £10 £15 Other

Bank Name & Address

Acc No. Sort Code

Starting on

For Myself As a Gift

Acc No. Sort CodeSignature:

To qualify for Gift Aid, what you pay in income tax or capital gains tax must at least equal the amount we will claim in the tax

year (currently 25p for every £1 donated). Please notify Support Dogs if you wish to cancel this declaration.

YES - Please claim Gift Aid on all donations I have made in the last six calendar years, and until further notice.

Signature

Please send completed forms to:

Thank you for your support

Make your donations worth more at no extra cost to you!

Support Dogs, 21 Jessops Riverside, Brightside Lane , Sheffield, S9 2RX

Date

Simply fill out the declaration below and we can claim the tax back on your subscriptions and donations.

Giftee Name& address