I'm running the BUPA London 10k on May 30th in aid of Dogs for the Disabled.

 

The picture you can see is Chloe. Chloe was the first dog my neighbours trained for the charity and over 12 months she progressed from a very playful puppy to a well trained dog. The charity chooses dogs very carefully and after the training programme the dogs are able to:

 

·         Pick up really difficult things such as a phone, keys or a wallet. Some can even pick up a credit card!

·         Help people to get dressed and undressed, they even tackle zips!

·         Collect the post rather than attack the postman!

·         Load and unload the washing machine

·         Open doors

·         Interrupt a child’s tantrum

·         Stop a child from running into the road

·         Play games – one even plays pairs with his owner

·         Speak, give warnings  

·         Press the button on a pedestrian crossing

You can watch this short video and see for yourself.

 

http://www.dogsforthedisabled.org/our-dogs/our-dogs-on-film/

 

The great thing about the charity is that they help people of all ages; the dogs have been placed with autistic children and many adults. The dogs transform their lives and offer independence. Some of the stories can be found on the web site and I'm sure they will bring a tear to your eyes:  

 

http://www.dogsforthedisabled.org/what-we-do/success-stories/william-and-spencer/

 

I have seen many dogs come and go since Chloe left and all of them have been remarkable in their own way. I know all of the dogs will go on to make a huge difference to someone's life.

 

I’d love to raise as much as I can for the charity, my neighbours are dedicated volunteers and I would like to give them all the support I can.

 

Thank you for your support and please do come along on the day, I think there will be quite a crowd!

 

Also please send this on to anyone you think might have the same affection for dogs that I do.