Image: Ann and her assistance dog Twickers. Video: Chris Packham's Lifeline Appeal for Dogs for Good.
Since 1988, Dogs for Good has created 875 assistance dog partnerships and demand for our services is at an all-time high. Last year alone, we received over 4,000 enquiries
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline viewers gave very generously to our appeal raising a fantastic £23,789, which is enabling Dogs for Good to train assistance dogs for adults and children with physical disabilities and children with autism. Celebrating our 30th anniversary this year, our Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline appeal film has helped us to shine a spotlight on the life-changing work we carry out; providing practical and emotional support to our beneficiaries and enabling them to become more independent, mobile and confident.
Our beneficiaries are often asked questions about their assistance dog, but recently one was asked a specific question by a curious child which she was unable to answer – namely “How many times a day does your dog help you?” She decided to keep a mental note for a day and the resulting insight was revealing to say the least...
In total, her assistance dog, Vann, handled over 76 items and responded to over 106 verbal commands. From first waking and retrieving a wrist splint which had been accidentally dropped, he then went on to open doors and drawers, retrieve articles, help with the laundry and carry a basket containing important possessions. He also followed instructions to wait, lie down, sit and more besides!
It wasn’t all work that day though; as with humans, our assistance dogs need their down time, too, so Vann was taken for an evening river walk and swim, and once home, he snuggled up on the sofa for a well-deserved cuddle and rest!
We rely entirely upon donations, opportunities like the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline appeal are incredibly important; helping us to highlight the work that we do and the need for donations that will go on to change people’s lives.
Thank you.
You can find out more about the charity .