Support Dogs is a UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy, physical disabilities and children with autism by training dogs to act as efficient and safe assistants.

Our dogs are trained to assist and support their owners with their specific disability. Each dog is taught tasks tailored to his owner's needs, enabling the disabled person to lead a fuller and more independent life.
 

Support Dog Dougal meets Simon Cowell at 'Britains Got Talent' Auditions..

Star struck hopefuls auditioning for the popular television programme – Britain’s Got Talent – were treated to an impromptu appearance by seizure alert dog Dougal at the weekend.

But it was owner Lynn Ratcliffe of Cheadle near Manchester who got the biggest surprise when she got to meet the programme deviser and impresario Simon Cowell who was very taken with her assistance dog.

Lynn and Dougal had gone to the television studios in Manchester to watch the auditions taking place. Lynn has epilepsy which means she is prone to sudden seizures that strike without warning two or three times a week, so she is accompanied everywhere by Dougal.

He has been trained to recognise the onset of these seizures and give Lynn warning so that she can find a place of safety. This training was carried out by Support Dogs, the Sheffield-based charity that is the only organisation in the UK to train seizure alert dogs.

Dougal, a five-and-a-half-year-old crossbreed has been helping Lynn to cope with her condition since May 2008 and she can’t imagine life without him. So when she spotted Simon Cowell in a corridor she quickly introduced herself and Dougal to him.  He is “dog mad’ said Lynn and was interested to hear how Dougal assists her. When they were back at the studios the next day she made sure she had some Support Dogs leaflets with her and handed one to Mr Cowell.

The hope is that he will ask to find out more, and possibly support the charity to which Lynn owes so much.

Join in the spirit of 2012 by entering into a running challenge event.  If you would like to secure a place in any of the following events and run for Support Dogs,  please email fundraising@support-dogs.org.uk or telephone our fundraising department now on 0114 261 780

Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon - Sunday 11th March (Only a minimum sponsorship of £350).  Deadline for registration is Friday 24th February at 5pm.

Virgin London Marathon - Sunday 22nd April (Only a minimum sponsorship of £1,000). Deadline for registration is Monday 6th Feb at 5pm.

Contact our fundraising team now to secure your place, hurry there are only a limited amount of places available.

Support Dogs has been chosen as one of the charities to benefit from the funds raised from the Sheffield Half Marathon 2012.

It is taking place on Sunday 27th May 2012 and anyone can run no matter what your experience.

If you are interested in running and need more information please email Support Dogs: fundraising@suport-dogs.org.uk or visit  www.sheffieldmarathon.com or call 0845 388 3438

Thank you

Auction Competition!!.

2 x full hospitality tickets for Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United on Saturday 26th February 2012.  The winning tickets include:

3 course meal, full bar service, match side photos and man of the Match presentation post match.

We are looking for the highest bidder as all the proceeds will be going to our charity..

Please contact Rita Howson for more info or to place your bid: 0114 261 7800 or email: rita@support-dogs.org.uk 

Good Luck!!

News Update...Bidding has begun! 

We are delighted to announce we have received our 1st bid for the football tickets, Mark Pawson from Topmarks Driving School has placed a bid for £150.

Don't miss out on this fantastic day, get your bids in now.  Email rita@support-dogs.org.uk for further details and to place your bid. 

London Marathon 2012 & Silverstone Half Marathon places up for grabs!!

Anyone wanting to run the 2012 London Marathon to raise a minimum of £1000 for Support Dogs and or anyone wanting to run in the Silverstone Half Marathon 2012 to raise a minimum of £350 for our charity please emails us at fundraising@support-dogs.org.uk

THANK YOU!

We have two new members of the Support Dogs Team. Two beautiful yellow labs, a little girl called Minta and a little boy called Essi.

They have visited the training centre and all the staff loved meeting them.

They are staying with their foster carers until they are a little bit older but they cant wait to get started!

See you soon!

Support Dogs staff and supporters will be doing a tandem skydive on Saturday 25th August 2012 to raise vital funds for the charity.

We are aiming to raise £12,000 so that Support Dogs can put a puppy through its initial training.

You can help our staff and fundraisers reach their targets or follow their progress by visiting their Just Giving page on the links below:

Support Dogs Skydive Team: http://www.justgiving.com/supportdogs-skydive

Claire Johnson: http://www.justgiving.com/ClaireJohnson19

Thank You For Your Support.

If anyone is interested in being a Puppy Socialiser or a Foster Carer for us in the Sheffield area please get in touch with us at the training centre on 0114 261 7800 or email us a supportdogs@btconnect.com!

Thank you

Don't forget to post the link to all your friends and family on facebook and twitter.

Our Christmas Card Selection on Page 14 are selling at £3.99 per pack (unfortunately the price was omitted on the original form).

We hope you enjoy the magazine and the new design as much as we do.  We would love to hear your feedback, please email fundraising@support-dogs.org.uk

Happy Reading, we hope you enjoy! 

Thank you to our sponsor who kindly donated a very much needed camcorder in return for this small advert.

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