Hi, I’m Rab - the owner and founder of McDug Nutrition and thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My first memories of dogs are watching my grandfather with his border collie, Flash, herding sheep back down to the croft. I was always fascinated by the close bond between them. My own close relationship with our canine pals came when a switched-on doctor suggested to my parents that a dog might help me at school. 

You see, I’m dyslexic and I really struggled in the traditional school environment. Back in the 70s and the 80s, being different wasn’t something that was celebrated. And despite my parents working tirelessly to try to get me the help I needed, I still found school a traumatic experience. 

And so when that doctor suggested to my parents that a dog would help? It kick-started a bond that became lifelong. 

Since then, I’ve always been a dog owner, they’ve been with me through thick and thin. 

It’s a huge part of my vision to support children who have additional learning needs, and help them to have the positive learning experience at school that I didn’t have.   When children learn in a relaxed environment, they take in so much more than when they’re stressed - and they become encouraged to read, write and explore more often - building a lifelong love of learning. Reading Dogs are an amazing way to foster this environment (I’m living proof of that!). 

That’s why I'm  raising funds this Christmas to help charities like Canine Concern Scotland Trust who provide Reading Dogs for children in schools, as well as Therapets who visit hospitals and care homes all year round providing therapy and companionship to those who love animals and can't have a pet of their own to look after.   

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you so much for your donation.  

Rab