The staff at Sheffield-based charity Support Dogs understand simply that. The organisation trains support dogs for autistic kids, grownups with epilepsy, and grownups with physical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or spastic paralysis.
Derek the yellow Labrador is amongst the dogs presently in training.
Trainer Lottie Barlow thinks he is best for the charity’s epilepsy alert program, which trains dogs to be able to find a seizure as much as one hour prior to it occurs.
Having a dog that can find a seizure beginning can make it possible for a specific to get to someplace safe and comfy, avoiding them from hurting themselves throughout a seizure.
Lottie says: “He is so loving and affectionate – his favourite thing is to be with his people. He is absolutely obsessed with me. Within three weeks, Emily, Derek’s puppy co-ordinator, didn’t get a look in.
“He is very clingy, which is why he’s perfect for the seizure alert programme – when they go to a seizure alert programme client, they are with that person 24/7, they do not leave their side.”
Lottie includes: “He is a very quick learner, and if he gets food for completing a task, even better.”
Derek, who was called in memory of the hubby of an advocate of the charity, has actually been effectively matched with a customer on Support Dogs’ waiting list.
His abilities are being modified prior to he moves over to Support Dogs’ trainers in September, who will sharpen his abilities and customize them to be bespoke to the customer’s requirements.
Lottie is presently dealing with how Derek manages being on public transportation, and after that they will cover various public areas.
When not in training, Derek, who turns 2 on Monday, is cared for by volunteer foster carers, who Lottie says “love the bones of him – they absolutely adore him”.
Lottie, who has actually been a fitness instructor with the charity for 2 years, says Derek’s preferred food is cheese, though she includes: “He will eat absolutely anything – he is very much a typical Labrador in that he loves his food.”
Support Dogs is hiring volunteer puppy socialisers to help supply a caring home for dogs in training like Derek. Please phone 0114 261 7800 or check out www.supportdogs.org.uk for more information.
