Support Dogs Aura 25

Edition 25

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When Minta entered our lives the change was phenomenal Inside: Epilepsy seizure alert dogs Great challenges for you to change a life Sponsor a Support Dog Volunteer with Support Dogs

Liz’s Story...

About Burns At Burns Pet Nutrition, we love working with organisations that make a real difference, so we’re extremely pleased to have teamed up with Support Dogs.

We’re very excited about the partnership, having heard some amazing success stories and met some of the people the charity has helped, along with their valued companions.

We’ll be providing the trainee dogs with our award-winning dog food, which is:

Developed by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns Natural and made from simple ingredients A great nutritional support for conditions such as itchy skin and digestive disorders

The Support Dogs team gave a demonstration at Burns’ annual Dogs’ Day Out event on September 7th. The Burns team met the very inspirational Liz Hambley, who lives not too far from Burns HQ in Carmarthenshire.

Duffy was the perfect match for Liz, whose support dog Bonnie had recently retired.

Duffy’s training lasted for 18 months, including specific training which Liz also took part in, as a ‘getting to know you’ exercise.

Liz has an extremely rare condition, where her body produces over 50 times more insulin than is needed. This can result in confusion, panic and falls, making everyday life exceptionally difficult.

She is also something of a canine celebrity, having been the first dog trained to operate the world’s first ‘Woof to Wash’ washing machine, which is activated by a dog’s bark.

When husband Alan isn’t close at hand, it’s vital for Liz to quickly get help. That’s where Duffy, her specialist assistance dog, comes in. The three-year-old golden Labrador is more than just a loyal companion - she helps Liz with a variety of tasks the confidence to get out and about, making her life less restricted.

As well as being able to pick up items Liz drops, fetching the phone and loading and emptying the washing machine, Duffy can also fetch Liz’s medicine bag if she’s sick and bark for help if she falls.

“It was important that Duffy would be a help, rather than something additional.

She has changed my life, and my family’s too.” - Liz Duffy is also a great help to Liz’s grandson, who has Aspergers. Husband Alan sees the incredibly helpful hound as “An absolute joy to deal with”.

Liz and Duffy enjoying some quality time.

Designed to keep dogs healthy and happy!

We don’t just sell pet food

Nutrition helpline

0800 083 6696

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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. They can also assist with the child’s daily routine and with developing independence and create a calming influence.

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

We have a team of nutritionists on hand to give bespoke advice about anything nutrition and health related when it comes to dogs, cats and small animals.

Join in... f

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.

For more information on how Burns can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy visit www.burnspet.co.uk

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.

A big impact, an overwhelming need As you will read from the stories included in this issue of our magazine, Support Dogs impact is life changing in every sense of the word. Not just to our clients and their families but, as you will read in Judith and Alfie’s story, also to our dogs.

Our biggest regret is that we are not currently able to help everybody who needs our support. At the time of writing we have received over 500 enquiries this year for the assistance of our support dogs. For our charity to grow and meet this overwhelming demand we need to increase both our staff resources and also crucially our premises.

Our training centre in Sheffield, that we have used for over 8 years, is no longer sufficient in size to allow for further expansion. We currently have to rent other facilities to allow for training. We are currently in process of identifying appropriate facilities and planning a capital appeal for funding to make this ambition a reality. We welcome your support with this.

The continued well-being of both our working assistance dogs and our dogs in training is of paramount importance to us and we are delighted to have entered into a partnership with Burns Pet Nutrition. As part of this support we will be able to continue to ensure our dogs have access to high quality nutrition and dietary advice. The partnership and support of businesses is vital to our charity as we grow. We were delighted that our partnership with JTM Service Ltd in creating the world’s first dog operated washing machine was recognised nationally as a finalist in the prestigious Third Sector Awards.

We are also grateful to Katie Street and Luisa Rabanal who joined us earlier this year to run a project as part of their training as occupational therapists. This looked at how we can better support our existing clients by creating an environment where they can share the experiences and knowledge of other support dog owners to help them live an even more independent and active life. This, of course, is a goal that underpins all that we do.

Kym Stretton, Chair of Support Dogs

Support Dogs 21 Jessops Riverside Brightside Lane Sheffield S9 2RX 0114 261 7800 www.supportdogs.org.uk info@supportdogs.org.uk supportdogsuk supportdogsuk1 Reg Charity No. 1088281

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Seizure Alert Dogs are trained to give a 100% reliable, 10-55 minute warning prior to onset of an epileptic seizure. This enables their owner to get to a place of safety 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.

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

Having a seizure alert dog instantly made my life liveable

Seizure alert client, Sally, talk about the impact that having an epilepsy seizure alert dog trained by Support Dogs has had on her life

• You must experience at least 10 major seizures per month

Sally’s epilepsy began as a child and has affected, if not dictated, every aspect of her life. Sally experiences a very high number of seizures, at least four or five seizures during the day, every day and as many as 19 each night.

• 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)

Sally says “Life was difficult growing up and my epilepsy had a huge impact on my whole family. I could never be left alone, I had to be home taught and making friends or meeting new people was difficult. I often felt very lonely.”

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

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Could a Seizure Alert Dog transform your life?

Yet she was determined that epilepsy would not stop everything and she married her childhood sweetheart, Philip, who she first met after writing to a Royal Navy Ship in search of a pen friend. At the age of 28 Sally, thought she had come to the end of the line. She had just undergone an intrusive and potentially dangerous brain surgery procedure that she hoped would end her seizures. It proved unsuccessful and made no positive impact on her health.

While coming to terms with this, she read an article about Support Dogs in an Epilepsy Society magazine.

Sally explains “At first I was very sceptical of the idea of a seizure alert dog, and remember laughing about it with Phil. But then I saw Support Dogs had an Open Day coming up, I thought why not as nothing else had worked for me. When I went along I met a lady who had a seizure alert dog and I was amazed as I watched her dog alert her. It was enabling her to go somewhere private and have relative control of her seizures in safety. I immediately signed up on to the waiting list for one.”

That was over 13 years ago and Sally is now benefiting from life with Robbie, her second seizure alert dog, after enjoying a partnership with her first seizure alert dog, Star for 11 years.

Sally tells us “Having a seizure alert dog instantly made my life liveable. One of the first things I did when I first had Star was to make myself a cup of tea. Something I had not been able to do in 30 years, because of the risks of having a seizure when holding boiling water. I then went in to town on my own, again a life time first.”

Sally says on her second dog Seizure Alert Dog Robbie “I can’t believe how good he is. Having him in my life means that, once again, I can get out and about, away from the house. When I am out it is reassuring to know that Robbie will give me a 100% reliable 50 minute warning prior to every oncoming seizure I have. So plenty of time to get somewhere safe. This incredible improvement in the quality of my life in terms of reducing the stress and worry of an unpredictable seizure striking at any moment has, I believe, also helped to reduce the number of seizures I experience each day.

These dogs do more than break down the barriers erected by illness or a deteriorating condition. Without a dog people tend to look right through you if you have a disability. You feel ignored quite a lot. But with Robbie people stop and ask what he does to help me. That gives me a chance to explain how he helps make my life so much more liveable. I can do the ironing again now – though not many people think that’s much of a bonus!”

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Challenge yourself and change the lives of those affected by autism, epilepsy and disability

London to Paris Bike Ride – 8 April, 3 June, 22 July, 16 September Starting in London, our 300 mile, 4 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 - £1380

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

The Great North Run – 13 September

Coast to Coast Cycle – 23 April & 13 August

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.

The Great North Run is the world’s largest half marathon event.

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.

Minimum sponsorship level - £250

Starting with your rear wheels in the Irish Sea in the town of Whitehaven, this charity challenge encompasses some of the best scenery Britain has to offer! From the stunning mountains of the Lake District to the beautiful open moors of the Northern Pennines – our UK Coast to Coast cycle for charity will leave you wanting more.

Minimum sponsorship level - £490

Taking place in Newcastle, Support Dogs have guaranteed places for anyone who can raise a minimum of £250 in sponsorship for the charity.

Minimum sponsorship level £790

Euro City Cycle Challenge - 3 September An exciting charity cycle combined with breathtaking city sights make this a European charity challenge Approximately 300 miles

Sheffield Half Marathon – 12 April Take part in the UK’s most infamous half marathon, this year with added water.

London Trekathon -26 September 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.

Minimum sponsorship £100

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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

with 4 days in the saddle, and takes in the rolling countryside of Essex, the plains of Holland and the sleepy lanes of Belgium.

Minimum sponsorship level £1380 .

Skydiving – all year long 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 jump from a number of airfields across the UK. Minimum sponsorship £395

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

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

Minimum sponsorship level - £620

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&

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Take the lead

Sheffield Mutual

become a volunteer with Support Dogs

is pleased to have funded Poppy’s training this year. Support Dog Poppy is due to graduate in November. We have been following Poppy’s progress throughout the year and know from speaking with Bobbie (Poppy’s Mum) that this amazing dog has completely transformed her life! You can read more about Bobbie and Poppy’s story on our blog:-

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http://blog.sheffieldmutual.com/

Get in touch and volunteer with Support Dogs we rely on the help and support of volunteers in many different ways.

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And it doesn’t stop there!

Sheffield Mutual will also make donations through their Mutual Friends Scheme, here’s how it works…

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Mutual Friends is a brilliantly simple scheme, enabling you to support the work of Support Dogs.

Curtis (New Business Administrator) and Jamie (Finance Manager) (pictured below) have decided to do a Sky Dive in October for Support Dogs as they’ve seen how these amazing dogs can make such an impact on someone’s life.

Sheffield Mutual will match the donations up to a maximum of £400!

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 would receive:

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£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)

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Volunteering can give you the opportunity to transform lives, including your own.

Whatever your skills, whatever you enjoy doing, even a few hours of your time can make a difference to our charity

Collection Box Co-ordinators We need you help to out and about in your local area and get our collection boxes in local shops and businesses. Then after a few months we’ll need you to back, empty the boxes and send us the funds.

You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that they money you are helping to collect will make a real impact to people’s lives.

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

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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.

Bucket shakers

Fundraising and Demo Dogs

We organise a large number of supermarket collections in South Yorkshire, near to our National Training Centre, 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

Is your pet dog out-going, confident and does it love meeting new people? Then perhaps they could volunteer as Support Dogs fundraising dog, assisting us at various fundraising events and collections.

You would need to be able to come to our training centre in Sheffield for an initial assessment.

Foster carers We need people to provide evening and weekend care for our dogs as they go through their 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 four months to anything up to a 12 month period.You must live within the Sheffield area and enjoy the company of dogs, offering a loving, safe and fun environment.

Dates for your Diary Support Dogs Graduation and Awards Lunch – 23 November Santa Paws’ Big Quiz – 3 December Crufts – NEC Birmingham – 5-8 March Support Dogs Training Centre Easter Open Day – 2 April For more details phone 0114 261 7800 or email info@supportdogs.org.uk

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Minta, our Support Dog and my son’s best medicine Jacob and Araminta (or Minta to her friends) story is proof of how Support Dogs Autism Assistance Programme is life changing for not only the child with autism but their family.

Susan’s son, 8 year old Jacob, has a severe form of autism. Jacob’s autism means that he struggles to communicate or express feelings in a way that is understood by others. For his mother Susan, the heart breaking part of his condition was that Jacob was a very lonely and isolated little boy that rarely smiled.

This changed for the family when Support Dog Minta came into the family’s life in 2013 and Jacob’s world was opened up.

Susan tells us “Jacob was a very lonely little boy who had no friends. It was horrible to see how isolated and lonely he was. For the family it was difficult because everyday life would cause him great stress and distraught even going to the shops, this meant my life had to be regimented to reduce this stress as much as possible.”

The most amazing thing for Susan is how much Minta has opened up Jacob’s world. “Before, when we went out in public Jacob would want to be invisible, he would become very distressed if people wanted to talk to him but now the difference is incredible. If people stop to talk to him about Minta he will happily stand and talk to strangers because he’s proud of Minta.

I can’t put into words how incredible this is to watch to go from wanting to be invisible to growing in confidence in everyday and wanting the world to see you. It’s amazing!

Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to provide safety and facilitation of a more independent and socially inclusive life for both the child with autism and their family. In Jacob’s case, a Support Dog can provide comfort for a child that no one and nothing else can.

“Every Jacob needs a Minta. They are best friends.”

While Minta is a trained Autism Assistance dog, it is her natural instinct to care for Jacob that makes this relationship so special. “If Jacob is sick or sad, she is there, without being told to do this. He loves her and she loves him. Minta is the best medicine.”

For Susan, her once lonely little boy is now a happy little boy because his best friend is Minta.

“When Minta entered our family our lives were changed and the change in Jacob was phenomenal. Firstly, there was the difference she made in everyday life. Now when we need to go to the shops or want to go on a family day out we tell Jacob that Minta wants to go and he doesn’t become stressed. Even when Minta is not around, knowing she is close by keeps Jacob happy and calm.”

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Thank you Simon When former police officer Simon Anderson was left paralysed from the waist down following a motorcycle accident, he was determined to maintain as active and independent life as possible.

He and his wife, Claire trained their German short-haired pointer Fudge to do a myriad of jobs, from picking up keys and the telephone to summoning help. Understanding the incredible impact that dogs can make to increasing independence and the confidence of someone with restricted mobility, he learnt about Support Dogs and set about raising funds for our charity.

10 years on, Simon is now in his final year as an ambassador for Support Dogs in the Somerset area. He has raised an incredible £50,000 during this period.

He has given talks to hundreds of groups across the region, being wonderfully supported firstly by Fudge and then more latterly by Miele and Olga. In 2011 Simon and Claire received the John Fisher Award in special recognition of their services to the charity and the funds raised for our work.

Although after this year he is no longer able to act as an official ambassador of the charity, Simon continues to give us support and is keen to encourage others to follow in his path and act as an ambassador for the charity. Rita Howson, Chief Executive of Support Dogs said “Simon has been a rock of support and a powerhouse of an ambassador for the charity. He, Claire and the wonderful Fudge, Miele and Olga have worked tirelessly for our charity and we are hugely grateful for all they have achieved.”

Remember Support Dogs in your will, leave a lasting legacy with impact!

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 and enable more people to benefit. Through the work of Support Dogs, our clients and their families regain an independence and a quality of life that autism, epilepsy or a physical disability has taken.

Carol Willacy had Jack Russell, Billy, trained by Support Dogs as her disability assistance dog 6 years ago. She explains “Billy not only assists with day to day tasks such as picking up objects and opening doors, he has saved my life twice and given me the confidence and support to have a more active life.

Become an ambassador for Support Dogs If you would be interested in helping Support Dogs raise funds and awareness by giving talks to groups in your local area, then please email danny.anderson@supportdogs.org.uk or phone 0114 261 7800

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“I am hugely grateful to the charity and have put Support Dogs in my Will, to ensure someone else will benefit and enjoy the same impact on their lives that Billy has made to mine” Support Dogs have also recently teamed up with Red Apple Law to provide a discounted will writing and legal service for our supporters. Red Apple will also make a donation to Support Dogs everytime you use them.

Need to talk to a solicitor but worried about the cost?

Red Apple Law are changing the face of legal services by providing a fresh, modern approach to the law. Giving you More Choice - A range of fixed fees and quotes for legal services.

All services are provided on a fixed fee or quote basis ensuring you have no surprise bills!

Please visit www.myredapplelaw.com and remember to tell us you’re supporting Support Dogs

To find our more about leaving a gift in your will to Support Dogs please phone Danny on 0114 261 7800 or visit www.supportdogs.org.uk

Support Dogs Annual Awards and Graduation Lunch Our annual awards and graduation ceremony will be held at Tankersley Manor near Sheffield on 23rd November. It is a time when we celebrate the achievements and hard work of our clients, volunteers, supporters, staff and of course our amazing assistance dogs. The ceremony will start at 11am and finish at 4pm, with lunch included.

We are delighted to be welcoming special guests The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, The High Sherriff of South Yorkshire and Angela Smith MP to the event. Awards will be presented to our supporters for their outstanding efforts and to our clients and their assistance dogs who have graduated this year.

Tickets are free and if you would like to attend please email info@supportdogs.org.uk or phone 0114 261 7800.

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Fantastic Fundraising Hundreds 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: Springfield Vets raised £400 from an Open Day, Staff at the Lakeland store in Sheffield raised £1000 through sales of products to staff. McAuley School, Doncaster raised £50 through the sales of bracelets made by its pupils. Oakwood High School, Rotherham raised £60 through the sale of second hand books. Inner Wheel District 22 raised £3614 through various events and collections over the year, Barratt Homes raised £100 through their staff tuck shop, Andrea Fletcher raised £520 from organising a race night,

Towerwood Vets raised £400 by organising a dog show. Mary Ryan raised £360 through a coffee morning, Mrs Hawksworth and her friends raised £100 from a plant sale, Worcester Concert Brass raised £600 through their collection at concerts in aid of Support Dogs. Harry and Ann Robinson raised £270 through holding a music concert and finally the soggy doggies and customer of Aquavets raised £3000 through organising a sponsored dog swimathon.

A huge thank you to the organisers and volunteers of the Azerley Clay Shoot who raised £13,000 for Support Dogs in April through their annual event at the beautiful estate in North Yorkshire. We are delighted that we are chosen to benefit as their chosen charity again in 2015.

News in brief Children’s Disability project This summer we began training a disability assistance dog for a child with Cerebral Palsy in Somerset. This is a pilot project extension of our existing disability assistance programme where we train someone’s existing pet dog to become their assistance dog. If successful we will be seeking funding to develop this work.

Sharing knowledge and experiences Thank you to trainee occupational therapists Luisa Rabanal and Katie Street, who ran a project for Support Dogs earlier this year. The project sought to enable existing Support Dogs clients to better share their experiences of both living with different disabilities and of having an assistance dog, with the aim of facilitating

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a more active, more sociable and more independent life. As part of this project an online forum was set up for existing clients to more easily socialise with other support dogs clients. This forum is active and available to clients at www.supportdogs.org.uk

Burns Pet Nutrition team up with Support Dogs The right diet is very important for our dogs as they carry out such important tasks, so we’re delighted to announce our partnership with Burns Pet Nutrition, who will be providing food for our trainee dogs.

Burns Pet Nutrition is a family business based in west Wales that supports a wide variety of local groups, community-based initiatives and national organisations.

Since 1993, they’ve been producing award-winning food for dogs, cats and small animals, made from natural, simple ingredients which help keep pets healthy and happy.

Burns has a team of nutritionists who operate a freephone helpline 0800 083 66 96. They’ll be assisting the trainers by answering diet-related questions and providing advice on the right food and feeding amounts for the trainee dogs.

Burns are also kindly offering a discount off the price of food for Support Dogs clients.

Find out more about Burns by visiting www.burnspet.co.uk/supportdogs or follow them on Facebook and Twitter – just search for Burns Pet Nutrition

Alfie: The rescue dog who rescued In 2002 Judith’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition Cerebella Ataxia. This condition slowly affects your coordination, speech, eyesight, and swallowing and muscle tone. By 2006 Judith was using an electric wheelchair and ready to take early retirement from her job.

“When I stopped working I found it was very difficult to have the motivation to go out, even getting dressed was too much trouble some days, so much so that I could spend a week without going outside the house”.

Judith eventually decided that to try and motivate herself she would rescue a dog from Wood Green Animal Shelter, as she would then need to get up and dressed every day to look after the dog. Judith says “We eventually found this little Lhasa Apso puppy that had been abandoned outside the gates. We had experience

of the breed, and knew how strong willed they were, but I thought it would give me the motivation I needed to start living again”.

Immediately Alfie made a difference to Judith’s life! “Alfie was traumatised by his bad start in life, so it was a real challenge to train him and make him trust me. He hated being left alone and would howl when you tried to touch his collar. I very soon found that training a dog when you are sitting down is not easy. Eventually I found Support Dogs and they helped us both”.

When Judith gave up work she lost her confidence but Alfie has given her that back. “Alfie is so much more than the tasks he does; he gives me confidence to go anywhere I want and emotional support.

I’ve even started volunteering three days a week at a charity for people with disabilities.

I run a course at Macmillan Cancer Care and there are many times people will

be c o m e upset. Without being told, Alfie runs straight over to give them a cuddle and make them feel better. Alfie helping me means I can help others”.

“Alfie has completely given me my independence back. I can go anywhere on my own and know that he will look after me. There have been occasions when, without his support I would have been in real trouble- I know what ever happens he will be with me.”

For Judith and Alfie, theirs is an extra special relationship, they saved each other. Alfie gave Judith the motivation and strength to start living again and Alfie had a second chance at a loving family. It’s a real life fairy-tail!

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Can your business give us more bark?

Small local business? Multinational organisation? Whatever your size, we need your help. You can make a lasting change to the lives of adults and children affected by autism, epilepsy and physical disability.

There are lots of ways that businesses support us: • Charity of the year • Sponsoring a support dog working in your local area • Employee fundraising – with a wide range of challenges • Cause related marketing – engaging your customers in your support for our charity For example Sheffield Mutual involves their customers by donating every time customers purchase financial packages 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. Mondelez International sponsored the training of an assistance dog for a client based near to one of their main sites. While Irwin Mitchell have supported us with our marketing costs.

Staff from JTM, Gripple, Jollyes supported us through staff taking part in skydives and other sponsored challenges. While staff at taxi firm Mercury have also worked with us to organise innovative events such as a 12 hour golfathon

Sue B and Louise Z, co-founders of Poppy & Rufus, designers of Britishcrafted, stylish products for dogs and their owners, said:“Our business gives us a wonderful opportunity to support such a special charity as Support Dogs. We donate a £1 to Support Dogs for every sale of our Beano Treat Bags and this also help raise awareness of the charity to our customers”.

For more details about how your business can get involved please contact Danny Anderson on 0114 261 7800 or

Farewell to friends Support Dogs would like to remember with fondness our retired Support Dogs who have sadly died this year:

Woody Disability Assistance

Angel Disability Assistance

Barney Seizure Alert

e: danny.anderson@supportdogs.org.uk

We are very grateful for the wonderful support we have received from a number of schools and community groups over the last year. Would your school or community group like to support Support Dogs? If so please get in touch

Jack Disability Assistance

Oliver Disability Assistance

Poppy Disability Assistance

Jerry Seizure Alert

Kobi Disability Assistance

Save your stamps for Support Dogs Support Dogs are collecting stamps to raise funds for our work. Please save and send you stamps (used and still attached to the envelope around the stamp) to Support Dogs, 21 Jessops Riverside, Brightside Lane, Sheffield, S9 2RX.

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Support Dogs Merchandise

Item

Price Qty Total

Christmas Tree Card Pack of 10

£2.99

Snowflake Card Pack of 10

£2.99

Santa Card Pack of 10

£2.99

Pin Badge

£1.00

Umbrella

£15.99

Mug

£7.99

Murdoch the Support Dog Mascot

£5.00

Christmas T-Shirt

£13.99

Order Form Name

Postage

Address

Postcode Phone Email

£2.99

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

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Sponsor a Support Dog

I would like to sponsor a support dog Alfie

For myself

Minta

Robbie

Venus

Billy

Puppies

As a gift

Transform the lives of children and adults affected by epilepsy, autism, and physical disabilities by sponsoring a Support Dog, for as little as ÂŁ1 per week.

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

Giftee Name:......................................................................... Surname:..............................................................................

Address..............................................................................................................................................................................

Alfie

Minta

I am a Lahsa Apso, and a disability assistance dog. I live in Cambridgeshire and my birthday is 15 June.

I am a Yellow Lab and an autism assistance dog. I live in Northamptonshire and my birthday is 7 November.

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Post Code:............................................................................ Tel. No..................................................................................

Email:...................................................................................................................................................................................

Or please make a donation to help our work

Robbie

Billy

I am a black lab and a seizure alert dog. I live in Nottinghamshire and my birthday is 24 May.

I am a Jack Russell and a disability assistance dog. I live in Lancashire and my birthday is 24 October.

Payable to Lloyds, 14 Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HP – the account of Support Dogs Ltd A/c No. 03938225 Sort Code: 30-97-51

Venus

Our Puppies and Young Dogs

I am a flat coat retriever and a seizure alert dog. I live in North Wales and my birthday is 8 June.

It can take up to 2 years to train a puppy to be a support dog.

They come from a range of sources including rescue centres and rehomed pets.

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Thank You

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