Dave and Higby are two rescue whippets and now therapy dogs who are part of the lives of over 80 people with dementia - primarily Alzheimers disease. They spend 4 full days a week in specialist day centres bringing much joy to those who often had the companionship of dogs throughout their lives but are denied it now through illness and advancing age. They bring normality, comfort and a no-pressure channel for communication and touch to those struggling to cope with memory loss.

Pictures of Dave and Higby can be found on the charity's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alzheimers-Support/300414946656908

The day centres are just one of many  community services run by Alzheimers Support in their area. Each year they have to find around £250,000 to keep all the services going (visit www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk for a full view of what the charity does). Day centres are particularly under threat of reduction in service and even closure every 12 months despite having won several awards for the innovative, person centred care that Dave and Higby are part of. The charity gets pretty much zero assistance from government agencies for day care.

This year the therapy dogs are leading 4 days of sponsored walking from 22 to 25 May as Alzheimers Support’s annual fundraiser. If you feel moved to give a few pounds, euros, dollars or whatever it would be much appreciated.  Thank you.