NEWS & EVENTS
Obituaries Tim Holt 26.11.1957 – 20.08.2011 Tim Holt sadly passed away in August of this year. Tim was partnered with Barney, support dog no. 66 in the Seizure Alert programme. He will be greatly missed.
Liz Langton 11.02.1966 – 08.05.2011 Liz Langton sadly passed away in May of this year. Her first Support dog was JayJay SD no.115 and she was currently training with her 2nd dog who was Mac. She is pictured here with Jay-Jay.
Chairman’s report
W
elcome to our twentieth
finding it harder to secure the funding
edition and Aura’s tenth
that we require. Donating is not simply
birthday!
about giving your money (which of
We are celebrating with a new look
course we need!) but you can give
magazine, which gives us more room
your time, even if it is a few minutes
for our news and information and
out of your day, to help us secure
has enabled us to produce it without
the funding to keep our programmes
cost to the charity via sponsorship
running. Looking after our collecting
and advertising. If you would like to
boxes could take as little or as much
advertise in a future edition please
time as you could spare, yet each box
contact marketing@support-dogs.org.
can be worth up to £25 to us. Hold a
uk.
coffee morning in your local area, or
Next year is the twentieth Anniversary
a cheese and wine party. Join one of
of Support Dogs and will see the
our fundraising branches and enjoy
qualification of our 200th team.
meeting new people and telling them
These are major mile-stones for the
all about Support Dogs and the great
organisation and planning has already
work that we do. All of this, without
commenced for the celebrations;
ever costing you a penny!
including our charity Ball, annual Gala
There is no stronger donation than
day, a staff and volunteer skydive and
your time. Without volunteers, Support
numerous other events up and down
Dogs like most charities would not
the country, details and dates will be
be able to run. Volunteers are people
announced in the Spring edition of
just like you that put in time and effort,
Aura and on our website. If you would
the compensation you receive from
like to get involved or hold your own
being a Support Dog volunteer is an
event, contact us at our head office on
overwhelming sense of doing good for
0114 261 7800.
other people.
Over the past few years, finding dogs
If you would like to find out what
of the right calibre to train, to become
volunteering opportunities we have
fully recognised assistance dogs has
please contact us.
become increasingly difficult. This has
SUPPORT DOGS 21, Jessops Riverside Brightside Lane Sheffield S9 2RX Registered charity no. 1088281 Company Limited by guarantee 0419062 www.support-dogs.org.uk E-mail: supportdogs@btconnect.com
2
led us, with the assistance of Guide Dogs, to start our own puppy walking
Kym Stretton
scheme. This autumn should see the arrival of our first two recruits. During the early part of this year Rita Howson, our Director of Operations, put a huge amount of work into Support Dogs first ever Gala day, even managing to book fantastic weather! We would like to thank Rita, our
Tel: 0114 261 7800 Fax: 0114 2617 555
staff, volunteers and sponsors for all
Designed by RedDog Printing Ltd sales@reddogprinting.co.uk 08455 191 364
all helped to make the day a huge
their hard work and generosity who success. Like many charities, as people and businesses tighten their belts, we are
Autumn 2011 Edition 20
20th anniversary
2
012 marks 20 years since
outstanding contribution to the world
Support Dogs was founded.
of dogs.
Why not join in our 20th anniversary celebrations?
During this time we have
John had always handled dogs as part
We have a variety of ideas that could
partnered over 190 people with a
of his professional career and during
make our 20th year the most
support dog and transformed many
that time had developed
successful yet!
more lives!
a unique approach to dog training. His
• Sign up to our membership scheme
Support Dogs was started in 1992 by
techniques formed the foundation for
for 2012 and beyond!
John Rogerson; a world leading dog
the training methods applied
• Put 5 Collection tins out in your
behaviourist. John had been lecturing
by Support Dogs and undoubtedly
community, we can get an average of
in the US and visited Top Dog; an
influenced the development of the
£25 per tin and it all adds up!
organisation which helps disabled
Seizure Alert training program.
• Have you ever wanted to try a
owners to train their own pet dogs to
The charity moved into its current
Skydive? Do you dare take the plunge
carry out tasks to assist them. There
premises in Jessops Riverside,
for Support Dogs? Contact the office
was not an organisation in the UK like
Sheffield in 2005 and the new
for an application form and start
it. On his return home, John teamed
Centre was officially opened on the
getting that sponsorship in!
up with Val Strong and Support Dogs
7th December that same year by
• Make a donation in lieu of Christmas
was formed. Val established the charity
our Honorary President Miss Angela
cards: Why not give your pen a rest
and in 1993 the first dogs were trained
Rippon OBE. Eighteen months later
and donate what you would spend on
and soon making a real difference to
the charity was devastated by the
cards to Support Dogs?
their owner’s lives.
flooding which hit Sheffield. It took
• Come dine with me! Invite your
Just two years later Support Dogs
Support Dogs more than a year to
friends round for a three course meal
joined with the other Assistance dog
rebuild the centre and recover, all of
and ask them to pay for what they
organisations to form Assistance
which was only possible thanks to the
think the meal is worth. Then each
Dogs UK; the umbrella organisation for
generosity of the public in response
take turns to host and see how much
assistance dog charities in the UK.
to our flood disaster appeal and the
you can raise for Support Dogs.
In 1997 Support Dogs with the help of
support of the South Yorkshire police
• Donate 20 hours of your year to
the National Lottery Fund established
dog training department who kindly
Support Dogs: 20 hours out of 8760
its National Training Centre and
gave the charity use of their training
doesn’t seem that much really does it?
dedicated it to the late John Fisher
facilities.
We always need help at events and in
in recognition and honour of his
In 2008, following on from a successful
our office, so your 20 hours are very
pilot study, Support Dogs launched
precious to us!
a new assistance dog initiative to the
• £20 challenge - simply raise £20 for
UK: Autism Assistance Dogs; aimed at
Support Dogs in any way you can!
improving the quality of life for children
• 20 minutes talk – could you
with autism and their families.
represent Support Dogs at your local
Today the charity has a team of 14
rotary, W.I, school or community
paid staff and numerous volunteers;
group? We often get requests to
sadly we have outgrown our premises!
unfortunately we just don’t have
more people
the resources, your donation of 20
we now need to
minutes could raise awareness of
secure funding
our fantastic dogs and gain more
for a new
supporters!
purpose built
• Would your employer consider
centre...so watch
Support Dogs as their ‘Charity of the
this space!
Year’
Sally; the first Support Dog
Autumn 2011 Edition 20
talk about the work we do but
In order to help
• Donate by texting SUPD 01 TO 70070
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NEWS & EVENTS
Liverpool to London in a bathtub!
O
n June 4th Ross Sheridan and his son in law
Nick Willcox rowed a modified bathtub down the canals between
1,100 miles over 62 days... and all for Support Dogs
S
ue Wales, 62, and her walking companion Julie Pickering, 51, walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats for Support Dogs
covering 1,100 miles in 62 days and raised £6,467.83 well worth it dispite their tired feet. “This journey has been a massive undertaking;
Liverpool and London
mentally, physically and logistically,” said Sue who
in aid of Support
is from Guiseley, near Leeds. “However, neither of
Dogs and Epilepsy
us can think of a day when we didn’t want to get
Awareness, clocking up 297 miles and raising £1197 for the
up and start walking, no matter what the weather
Karen Sheridan appeal.
or conditions.
Ross and Nick set off from Liverpool at 7.30am on the Saturday
“It has been a privilege to be fit enough to
and rowed their bath through Wigan, Greater Manchester, and Central
complete the walk without any injuries, blisters or
Birmingham to name just a few places AND they did all this rowing
sickness.”
whilst dressed as pirates! There was a lot of support for the pair on the way down, especially
The money the pair have raised will go towards training another dog to transform someone’s life.
from curious people wondering why anyone would take on such a
With each dog costing in the region of £12,000,
task! Their bathtub was equipped with collection buckets and the
their donation will be a huge boost to support
locals in each town happily added their change to the pirate’s treasure
dogs.
chest. Their journey finished on Sunday 12th June at lunchtime when
“My son Andrew has epilepsy,” she explained,
the pair, surrounded by family and friends, walked the last couple of
“and his life has been completely transformed by
miles to the Packhorse and Talbot pub in Chiswick for, you guessed it,
a seizure alert dog. It gives him forty-five minutes
a pirate themed celebration!
warning of a seizure so he can get to a place of safety. Before he had ‘Major’ he was falling down
Support dogs would like to thank all the very
a lot; at one point he had scars on top of scars on
generous runners who successfully completed
his head from falling over. Now his life is so much
the London marathon 2011. Every hard
better.”
earned penny is greatly appreciated and
The duo completed the last leg into John
through your efforts the total raised was over
O’Groats accompanied by a team of family,
eight thousand pounds. A special mention
friends and well-wishers with balloons,
must go to Tim Hulse who completed the
champagne and cake to hand.
marathon in a staggering time of 3 hours,14 minutes and 27 seconds, well done Tim, your supreme achievement raised £4443.83 in total. Tim is a close friend
Despite the weariness Sue says she feels a sense of almost euphoria over the challenge: “It has been absolutely wonderful, a magical
of Caroline Cargill whose daughter Esme has a seizure response
experience for us. And every step of the way
dog. Tim said “Thinking of how Meara has changed the families life
has helped raise the money which has been
is what helped me through the tough times during the marathon”.
generously donated for Support Dogs.”
A huge thank you again, but before you hang up your running shoes, we have 8 Golden Bond places for the 2012 London Marathon. Please contact fundraising@support-dogs.org.uk for details or to confirm your place.
We have joined up to Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon Do you want to run for Support Dogs? We have 10 places for this event so please get in touch at fundraising@support-dogs.org.uk
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Autumn 2011 Edition 20
New Graduates 2011 Alison Harvey & Rhubarb Disability Assistance Jack Russell Terrier Hertfordshire
Darren Hickford & Rosie Disability Assistance Chocolate Labrador Kent
Margaret Wakelin & Ollie Disability Assistance Airedale Terrier Lincolnshire
Judith Margolis & Alfie Disability Assistance Lhaso Apso Cambridge
Brenda Cupitt & Nelson Disability Assistance Labrador/Retriever X Sheffield
Linda Brannon & Bailey Disability Assistance Yellow Labrador Tyne and Wear
Ethan Dyson & Jay Autism Assistance Curly Coat Retriever/Labrador X Manchester
Caption Competition
C
an you think of a caption for the photo? It’s just a bit of fun. Entries will be judged on their humour and originality, please send in your caption and the best one will be printed in the next edition. If you have a funny or unusual photo that we could use please send it to us at marketing@ support-dogs.org.uk
Autumn 2011 Edition 20
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TRAINING STORIES
Training the trainers Support Dog instructor Fran Hill gives us an insight to a how a training course can help in a world of canine behaviour and training
E
arly on Sunday June 12th a group of Support Dog’s trainers met at the training centre and headed off to Coventry for a one day course by Sarah Whitehead, a renowned behaviourist and exceptional speaker. Sarah studied under the late John Fisher one of Britain’s best known animal behaviourists and pioneers of positive renforcement training. We had been looking forward to the course, held by the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), which would give us an opportunity to listen and debate with one of the country’s leading canine behaviourists on a subject we are all passionate about. It was a fantastic day which we all enjoyed a great deal. The wonderful thing about Sarah is she doesn’t simply lecture, but she encourages lively debate so that everyone can offer their own ideas and raise questions on the subjects being discussed. The topics we covered included canine body language and communication, as well as the human aspect of dog training i.e. working with and supporting clients throughout their training and finding ways to adapt your training skills to meet the needs of each individual. I found this to be an invaluable experience that has fuelled my passion to study the wonderful world of canine
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behaviour and training, something that at Support Dogs we are lucky enough to work with everyday. There are of course always challenges and stressful parts of every working role for both humans and dogs, but we are fortunate enough to do something that we love and within our roles we get to share our enthusiasm and skills for dog training with the people we work with. Opportunities like
this provide invaluable support in developing our skills which help us improve upon the life transforming work that we do for both people and their canine assistants. It just goes to show training really can transform lives.
What is he telling you? Life-changing Education Courses in
Canine Behaviour & Training with
Sarah Whitehead & Alpha Education
• Think Dog! Courses - Certificate to Advanced • State-of-the-art methods, resources and materials • Courses fully accredited by Open College Network • Personal contact with friendly, experienced tutors • Home study or attendance. One day to one year
www.thinkdog.org 01753 856 780 Support Dogs ad 2011 Tamaskan 2.indd 1
Autumn 2011 Edition31/8/11 20
10:05:28
What a difference a ‘Jay’ makes
E
than was born in 2003, at birth he was very advanced and whilst being weighed he was almost sitting upright and looking all around taking everything in. As a baby he was very easy going, ate well and slept well, you could forget you had him. Ethan met all his milestones early and before he was two, he was walking, talking and almost potty trained. He often suffered from earaches and sore throats requiring antibiotics but was otherwise happy and healthy. About a month after his second birthday, my husband John, Ethan and I went away for a long weekend for a friend’s wedding. We took a child away with us who was physically able and bright, and came back with a child who did not want to eat or sleep, he stopped talking, in fact we were due to see my mum later on the Monday and after talking to his granny on the phone the last word that he said was ‘goodbye’. He was back in nappies and had to wear pull ups. He stopped eating, he wouldn’t eat. Ethan Autumn 2011 Edition 20
became disruptive and was asked to leave Rhythm time music group, he went to preschool but they said there was nothing wrong with him but that he was a bad tempered child. I removed him from Nursery after the team there said that he was naughty, we were asked by the nursery not to talk to other parents about him and living in a village it was very isolating. Within two months he was seen by the doctor and they set up tests, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc. the results came back that Ethan had communication and social problems but was too young to diagnose with Autism. He had regressed to the extent that he couldn’t blow bubbles or suck a lolly. Ethan had to learn so many things again and had frequent tantrums which sometimes would last all day. Twelve months later he was diagnosed with Autism. Ethan’s behaviour was such that on a number of occasions people would make comments and make us feel so inadequate, I felt like shouting at them that he was not naughty or spoiled. One lady even said that he needed a good slap. I had grown up with dogs and have a great love of them; I thought a pet dog would be nice and that it would get us out and about for walks. I heard about dogs trained for children with Autism and
applied to Support Dogs. Following a wait we were matched with Jay a curly coat retriever cross Labrador. Since being matched and trained with Jay, Ethan is very much more sociable. Initially Ethan was very possessive with Jay and thought that people were laughing at him, he did not want them to talk to his dog, did not want other people to talk to him. As time has gone on however he is now interacting more with people and they ask him about Jay. We also have noticed the difference in people’s attitudes being more accepting of Ethan’s disability. Ethan is more relaxed about it now and has a greater degree of social interaction; he has come on in leaps and bounds at school. Ethan has friends now, having been on summer holidays for the last six weeks it was lovely for him to get on the school bus and ask to sit next to his friend Tom who he had not seen since July. Jay has given Ethan more confidence; he is more physically active and has fewer tantrums. Jay is just wonderful, he has given us all so much, I enjoy my time and walks with Jay, I enjoy greater interaction. We couldn’t get Ethan in the garden last year but now we have trouble getting him back indoors!
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GALA DAY
Support dogs first Gala day
nd what a fantastic occasion it was! The Sunday 3rd July saw us stage the first ever Support Dogs Gala Day…a welcome the Deputy Lord Mayor of Sheffield, sun shone, people thronged Hillsborough Park and we were proud to ne Taylor to officially open the event. Councillor John Campbell, and the Consort Deputy Lady Mayoress Catheri worth it. In fact we have already started laying It was hard work, and all the staff worked their socks off, but it was well 1st July 2012 free! plans for next year…so make sure you make a note in your diary to keep
“
t It was an enjoyable day and a grea ever privilege to officially open the first own Gala Day staged by Sheffield’s charity, Support Dogs. Anything we ut can do to let the public know abo ge oura enc the work they do, and to the them to contribute, can only be to benefit of society as a whole. Cllr John Campbell
“
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dogs do make people’s lives better – I can vouch for that! Lynn Ratcliffe
“
“
The Gala Day was fantastic, well done to all the Support Dog Staff and volunteers for all their hard work, not just at the event but also the many months of preparation that went in to it. I’m sure it was a great success and raised awareness of the wonderful work you do every day to provide Support Dogs for people with Epilepsy, Autism and disabilities of varying types, these
Autumn 2011 Edition 20
Autumn 2011 Edition 20
“
Thank you for a wonderful Gala Day, so well organised and thought out. Everyone I spoke to was most impressed. May this become an annual event! Brenda, Millie and Nelson
“
e lp e d h o h w e n o y to ever u o y k n a h t A BI G cess! c u s a y a D la make our Ga
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GALA DAY
The Support Dogs T Skydive Team
hey may be all smiles now but just wait until they’re 20,000ft in the air!
Support Dogs staff are all taking to the
skies for Support Dogs! They’re hoping to raise £12,000 as a team to cover the costs of training a new puppy, so please help them reach this target by sponsoring them whatever you can - every penny counts! You can sponsor them by going to www.justgiving.com/supportdogsskydive or pledge an amount next time you contact the office. They are being very brave so let’s show them some support and sponsor them! Left to Right: Top ; Fran Hill,Tracy Moore, Helen Shelton, Nicola Hallam, Michelle Bellamy, , Bottom; Sarah Moore, Nathan Barnes,
Introducing the Support Dogs Demo Team
T
he Demo Team had their first taste of fame at the Gala Day and although it was extremely warm weather, the demonstration went off without a hitch!
The idea behind putting the team together is to raise awareness of the wonderful work that Support Dogs can do and the variety of specialised tasks they perform. From left to right; Ruth Vear and Oscar, Jay Olpen, Julie Olpen and Daphne, Trish Renshaw and Tigger, Irene Rowley and Sadie.
Collecting tins
C
ollecting tins are one of the oldest forms of fundraising and are still very effective! Each box contains an average of £25, if we managed to get 20 tins out in one town that’s £500 for Support Dogs! Now just think how much we can raise with 20 tins in 20 towns......!
Why don’t you get the ball rolling in your area, just take 5 collecting tins and put one in your local newsagent, bakery, fish and chip shop, Pub or anywhere you think the tin would be able to gather loose change. Such a small task for you would have huge benefits for us!
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Autumn 2011 Edition 20
FEATURE
Retirement is... B
renda Cupitt lives in
there at the same time they will
Sheffield and has severe
each hold one end!
arthritis which affects
Brenda sometimes takes the
Ajay Sadly some Support Dogs, like people, find themselves facing an early retirement. This can be due to health, injury or other problems. Ajay is one of these dogs, shortly before his fifth birthday, he was
her spine, hands and joints. She
dogs to visit two gentlemen, Jim,
diagnosed with hip and back
lives on her own except for Millie
89 and Dick, 85 to spend time with
problems, despite the very best
(retired) and Nelson, her two
them. On Sundays she is taken
medical care his condition meant
support dogs.
to church and when 9-year-old
that surgery was not possible
Jodie (just 1 of 10 children in her
and the heartbreaking decision
dog, was trained to carry out
family) sees her arrive she looks
was made for him to retire from
numerous tasks including helping
after Millie. The youngsters fetch a
his role as a Seizure Alert dog.
Brenda undress, strip the bed, pick
blanket for the dogs to lie on. One
Ajay had also been trained to
up objects and pick items from
of them often dozes off during the
guide his owner Tony who has a
supermarket shelves Brenda can’t
service and can be heard snoring,
degenerative eye condition.
reach. She stands up at the till
the other dog often rests his head
with Brenda’s purse in her mouth,
on the sleeping partner for a better
diagnosis and the help of
waits for the change and puts
view. The band members think it’s
hydrotherapy, acupuncture
the purse in the shopping basket.
hilarious.
and physio, Ajay was able to
Ten years ago, Millie a rescue
Brenda says, “Millie changed
Nelson is taken to the youth
Fortunately with the early
continue working comfortably
my life, she made me feel less
club every Friday for a trip out
until his successor was found.
vulnerable when out and about.’
on his own but Brenda says she
Due to deterioration in Tony’s eye
doesn’t know what her life would
condition it was decided that Tony
has been trained to take her place
be like without the pair of them,
now needed a dual purpose dog
while Millie enjoys her hard earned
“I didn’t think I could love another
to be trained by Support Dogs and
retirement. But it hasn’t really
dog having had Millie so long, but
Guide Dogs. She has now trained
worked out that way…Nelson
Nelson is a marvel.” Brenda Cupitt.
with Hetty who has qualified as
Millie has retired now; So Nelson
a Guide dog and will hopefully
hadn’t been trained to strip the bed, but he sat and watched a
Kye
qualify as a Seizure Alert Dog later
couple of times as Millie did it,
Kye my disability assistance dog
this year.
then jumped up and joined in.
was an enthusiastic and diligent
Brenda can’t grasp the duvet
worker and now he is enjoying
family, and has become Tony’s
cover in her hands so has to clutch
a care-free retirement. His day
youngest daughter’s pet dog, a
it with her arms while telling Millie
starts with a nice walk and a play
role which he has settled into with
to go back. Millie moves back
followed by breakfast. He then
relish. He loves nothing better than
shaking her head to work the
gets on the sofa for a sleep which
rolling in cowpats and swimming in
cover loose. Her other favourite
he does really well I might add.
murky waters or curling up with his
job is to bring the pile of washing
Lunch time comes around and
down and load the machine. Now
its play time with Poppy, my
she and Nelson take turns putting
new Support Dog, we all
it in.
then head off to a nearby
Millie is deaf, but Nelson hears
Ajay continues to live with his
little girl for a cuddle!
lake for the dogs to have a
the postman coming. When she
swim. Something he loves
sees him heading to the door she
even more now that he has
tries to get past. The postman
the competition of Poppy.
bundles Brenda’s mail with an
All in all he loves his life as
elastic band and Millie picks it up
a Dog.
and brings it to her. If they get
Autumn 2011 Edition 20
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FEATURE
Dear Charlie Do you have a problem? Maybe Charlie can help... Dear Charlie, I am a 4 year old ex-racing machine from the Isle of Man and my name is Barry. Racing, is well, in my blood, but I just can’t help myself and still chase the motorbikes, even though I am retired and have hung up my goggles a long time ago. My mum is upset and says if I don’t stop I will have to GO, gulp! Don’t want this to happen, that would be the pits and would certainly lose my sheene !
Dear Barry, I can sympathise with your situation, it is hard when you have spent all your life doing something you love and then suddenly being told you can’t do it anymore. My advice to you would be to tell your owner not to give up on you and let you go, but to ask for some help from a good dog trainer who may be able to teach you to be calmer around fast moving things like bikes and birds, etc. I know they look fun and chasing is in your blood, but these things can be dangerous and no one wants to see you get hurt. Why don’t you try going to an old track and doing some races just for fun, that way you will still get your fix and no one gets hurt. I hope this helps. All the Best Charlie x
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Dear Charlie, Erm, I have a little problem Sometimes there is a smell. It really is quite horrible I need your help, please tell.
I realy don’t know what to do My plea is from the heart I always, always, get the blame Yet its not me from the start.
Can you help me somehow And let my pain be gone I will be eternaly gratefull signed M.I.S.S ( Anon )
Dear Charlie,. Can I call you Charlie, in fact thats my problem, mate. I think everyone is my friend ! I run up to all dogs and just want to play, but a couple of times, I have been told off. My other half, Rachel, is annoyed and won’t go for a run out with me now as she does not want to be told off herself. Any advice would be appreciated, cheers pal.
What do you eat that makes you smell What ever it is speak up, tell
Hello Joey, How you doing? You have got to be careful out there, not everyone is as nice as you think. I am guessing you are still a youngster, perhaps you have not met many dogs on a regular basis? Ask Rachel to take you to puppy socialising classes. There will be lots of dogs and puppies for you to meet and make friends with. But you will also learn when you can interact and when you have to chill and settle down. Let me know how you get on , wont you. Thank you for being my friend
Ask your owner for another diet To get your tum to be quiet!
Regards Charlie x
Dear MISS Anon Im glad you’ve contacted me, I’ll tell you this for free Don’t let this problem get you down Lets have a look at that smelly frown
Make sure you keep to the same foods (this may also improve your moods) Any more problems see your vet Hope this helps you become a stink free pet! Charlie x
If you w ou Charlie t ld like og advice on ive y doggy dil our em please em ma’s ail your que stions to dearchar lie@live. co.uk Autumn 2011 Edition 20
A four legged footie fan
W
hen Lynne Ratcliffe was diagnosed with epilepsy not only was her life turned upside down, it also meant that her lifelong following of Manchester City Football club was curtailed. It was too difficult and dangerous for her to travel to away matches and she had to make do with watching it on the television at home. Attending home games was also hazardous not only for her but also her carer as post seizure Lynne can become distressed and unpredictable. Three years ago all that changed when she was matched with Dougal, a Dogs Trust Lurcher cross. Dougal was trained as her Seizure Alert Dog giving Lynne valuable warning to an impending seizure. He has transformed
Lynne’s life, not only is it now safer for her and her carer to attend home matches but she has travelled the length and breadth of the country following her beloved team on their away fixtures. To Lynne’s delight earlier this year Manchester City qualified for the FA cup semi-final to be played at Wembley. Lynne attended both this semi-final and the final. Much to her delight they won! Lynne was also thrilled to hear from an official that Dougal was the first Assistance Dog to step foot or should we say paw into the new Wembley stadium. Lynne and Dougal have more recently been made Fan of the Week for MCFC and is very well known by the supporters club! Both pictured with the FA Cup.
First class support from a first class hotel
E
veryone at Support Dogs wants to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Max Flude and all his staff at the Hilton Hotel in Sheffield. Max was won over to our cause and decided he wanted to do something to help…but we couldn’t have dreamed of how much support he and his staff would give us. First he offered our clients complimentary accommodation at the Hilton – with breakfast thrown in. But, typical of the first rate staff there, they were also happy to go the extra mile. One of our clients with special dietary requirements was staying there and fresh, gluten and soya free bread was made available every morning. How’s that for the personal touch? He also offered to help us with our visit to Crufts next year and put in a good word with his colleague at Birmingham Hilton, to arrange accommodation at their sister hotel right next to the arena at reduced rates - saving us time, money and stress! A very big, heartfelt ‘thank you’ from Support Dogs to Max and all his team!
Autumn 2011 Edition 20
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q
I would like to become a Friend of Support Dogs (£10 per annum, single payment)
q
I would like to join Support Dogs family (min £3 per month standing order)
q
I would like to make a donation to Support Dogs
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DONATION/MEMBERSHIP FORM
Title:…..…... First Name:…………………….……………..Surname:……….........…………………………………… Address:………………………………………………….........…………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………Postcode:…........…………………… Signature:………………………………………………...........………………….…….Date:………/………./……….. Telephone:……………………….....…..Email:……......………………………………………………………………… qPlease find payment enclosed qI wish to pay monthly direct from my bank account (min £3 per month) Please complete the details below and return to: Support Dogs, 21 Jessops Riverside, Brightside Lane, Sheffield, S9 2RX. DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR BANK
(Address of Bank)………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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To : (Name of Bank)…………………………………………………………………………………...…………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Please pay Support Dogs: £……….…. (figures) ………………………………..(words) Monthly / Annually Starting on ………./………./………. and in each month / year until …………………………….........……… Account number:……………………………………………………Sort code: ……………….……………….. 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
Christmas Card Order Form Name:
____________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Postcode: _____________________________Telephone:______________________________________
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Email ______________________________________________________________________________ Items ordered: Santa’s beard (Pack of 10 cards)
Quantity ________
£____________
Christmas Joy (Pack of 10 cards)
Quantity ________
£____________
Christmas Village (Pack of 10 cards)
Quantity ________
£____________
£3.99 per pack
P&P details - 1 pk – £1.50 Total 2 pks - £3.00 - 3 pks or more £3.50
P & P _______________
£____________
Donation
£____________
£____________
All our Christmas cards are marked that they are sold in support of support dogs and carry our logo and charity number Make your donations worth a third more to Support Dogs but at no extra cost to you! I am a UK taxpayer & I want the charity to treat: All donations and subscriptions I have made from 6th April 2000 and all those I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations Date of declaration: ………./………./………. Signed:……………………………………………………..
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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).
Forthcoming events 2011/12 Talk: Stepping Stones Blythe House Hospice, Chapel-en-le-Frith Monday 24th October (Time TBC) Awards Ceremony Saturday 26th November 2011 (Venue and time TBC) Talk: Living with epilepsy information day Simon Anderson will be giving a talk about the work of Support Dogs at 1.45pm at Epilepsy Action: Living with epilepsy information day Winchester Guildhall, Broadway High Street, Winchester Saturday 3rd December 2011 (12.00pm – 4.00pm) Crufts, Birmingham NEC (Hall 2 Stand 58) Thur 8th – Sun 11th March 2012 (8.15am – 5.30) Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon 2012 Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit, Northamptonshire Sunday 11th March 2012 Support Dogs have 10 guaranteed places available. (For a guaranteed place, each runner is required to raise a minimum of £350 for Support Dogs) Talk: Women’s Institute, Birmingham Tuesday 10th April 2012 at 7.30pm
Recent Donations: •Mrs A.E. Hawksworth, Mrs Christine Batham, Mrs Betty Jackson and Mrs Ann McLennan raised £100 for Support Dogs from their Annual Plant Sale held at Mrs C.A. Batham’s home. •£10,000 from The Derek Wilton Dogs Trust •Marjorie Viggars Charitable Trust £1000 •Thanks to Hilda Clayton for £100 donation and for preparing a wonderful raffle prize and for donating items to sell/auction/ raffle •Kirkby Lonsdale & District Dog Training Club donated £101.77 •Sheffield Homes donated £80.00 •The Bracknell Lodge of Freemasons donated £500 •Bromsgrove Lions Club raised £700 from their annual sponsored walk and also donated £20 Gift Voucher •Thanks to Kathy Ward, Lynne Ratcliffe and Co for attending the Guide Dogs Gala Day on Sunday 4th September and raising £294.87. •£322 from GiveACar scheme •Thanks to Peter & Jan Bevan from Stambourne K9 Training for holding a fun dog show for a local fete and raising £69 for Support Dogs •Thanks to Mrs J Allen for holding a garden fete on 3rd July 2011 at East Runton and raising a fantastic amount of £1729.70 •£50 donation from Queen Elizabeth School •£100 raised from Rother Valley Campus, Spring Showcase Event 15th May 201 •Hucknall Canine Hydrotherapy Centre raised £46.39 from having a Support Dogs collection tin •Felixstowe Dog Training Club donated £300
Virgin London Marathon 2012, London Sunday 22nd April 2012 Support Dogs have 8 Golden Bond Places available. (For a guaranteed place, each runner is required to raise a minimum of £1000 for Support Dogs) Talk: Ecclesall Women’s Group Ecclesall Church, Sheffield Tuesday 19th June 2012 at 7.30pm Support Dogs Gala Day Hillsborough Park, Hillsborough, Sheffield, Sunday 1st July 2012 Talk: Women’s Institute Bakewell Tuesday 17th July 2012 at 7.30pm
Christmas Star Is your Support Dog photogenic? We are actively looking for special pictures to be made into Christmas cards for our anniversary year. So if you are out and about on a snowy or frosty day why not take a few snaps and send them to us at editoraura@aol.com
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