upport Dogs has pioneered the training of Seizure Alert Dogs and this particular training programme is unique. A Seizure Alert Dog is trained to detect an imminent epileptic seizure and to give a warning, an alert, enabling the owner to find safety. The dogs can usually give a warning of between 20 and 45 minutes. As a result of extensive research it is possible to identify traits in some dogs which would make them more responsive to seizure activity. There are no specific breeds that are more suitable for Seizure Alert work than others. On this basis, the charity is selecting dogs from rescue centres and specifically training them for a person with epilepsy. This is a breakthrough as Support Dogs is the only known organisation in the world to be involved in the training of dogs for this purpose. By giving significant advanced warning Seizure Alert Dogs remove the danger from everyday activities such as cooking, taking a bath or shower or crossing the road which can be potentially life threatening to a person with epilepsy.

Disability Assistance Dogs are clients’ own pet dogs that are trained to assist them with tasks in their everyday lives. Amongst the many tasks they can be trained to carry out are: opening and closing doors, assisting with dressing, operating control buttons, switching lights on and off, retrieving the telephone and other objects, going to the shops, raising an alarm, loading and unloading the washing machine and carrying items. The dog and owner work together as a team from the outset and training is tailored for the specific needs of the owner. Medical Assistance Dogs provide support and assistance for people with specific medical conditions such as hypoglycaemia and Menière’s disease. This is a very new area of work for the Charity and training is tailored to the clients’ specific needs.

Cassie conquers Westminster

Assistance dog Cassie, a majestic Leonburger, melted hearts in the House of Lords on March 3rd 2004, when she and her owner Helen Tyers from Hilcote, Derbyshire, represented the charity Support Dogs at an event held to demonstrate the beneficial effect that animals have on human lives.

Organised by the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH), the event drew interest from a cross-section of MPs and Peers. “I am extremely pleased that this event has highlighted the work of devoted animal companions,” commented NOAH Chief Executive Phil Sketchley. “It has also underlined our communal responsibility to provide them with proper care and protection with regular vaccination and good preventive healthcare.”

Cassie was one of several dogs and a pony that attended the event to represent the many thousands of animals across the country that help their human owners by providing companionship and practical assistance.

Helen who is a wheelchair user, has had Cassie since she was a puppy of nine weeks old. She started training with Support Dogs at the age of 10 months and now at seven years old is able to help Helen with a variety of everyday tasks. “Cassie’s skills include helping to bathe and dress me, opening doors, picking up items and even filing,” says Helen. “She’s also a great travelling companion, and we have already visited France, Italy, Germany and Austria and hope to go to Spain this year.

As a fully qualified social worker, Helen now works for the Independent Living Fund in Nottingham, and is also a researcher, consultant and author on disability issues. As a Vice Chair of the board of trustees for Support Dogs, she was well qualified to describe the work of the charity to the many MPs and Peers who attended the event in the House of Lords.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Gail Lacey, Kendalls PR, Tel: 01394 610022 Support Dogs, Tel: 0114 2577997