Jan 22, 2025
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s Visit to Our Training Centre
On 21 January 2025, we were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, to our Training Centre in Alton. This visit provided a unique opportunity to showcase the profound impact our assistance dogs have on the lives of autistic people.
Upon arrival, The Duchess was introduced to some of our incredible volunteers, fundraisers, Ambassadors and Board of Trustees. She also met some of our partnerships, who were able to share with her the positive impact our dogs have had on their daily lives.
She was then introduced to Louis, a nine-week-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the latest addition to our training programme. Affectionately nicknamed “Lord Louis of Spudringham” by our team – a tribute to Prince Louis and a nod to Charles’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk – Louis was bred by Rachel James, a specialist cardiac vet dedicated to addressing health challenges in Cavaliers. Louis completely charmed The Duchess, who joked about taking him home. Louis is poised to follow in the successful footsteps of his older sibling, Lexi, who is already in our training programme.
The Duchess also enjoyed demonstrations from three of our trainee assistance dogs – Jack, Finn, and Buddy (our resident ITV This Morning Pup) – who showcased their developing skills as future autism assistance dogs. Buddy delighted everyone by presenting The Duchess with a thoughtful birthday gift: her very own Louis soft toy that she could take home!
Finally, to mark this special visit, our Chair of Trustees, Zoe Lattimer, expressed gratitude to The Duchess for her support and invited her to unveil a commemorative plaque at our Training Centre.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Duchess of Edinburgh for her genuine interest and support. Her visit not only highlights the importance of our mission but also brings awareness to the vital role assistance dogs play in enhancing the lives of autistic individuals.
Dec 20, 2024
The Magic of a Furry Friend: How Casper transformed our bedtime struggles
From the moment Jon entered the world, bedtime was a battle. What should have been a peaceful end to the day often stretched into a gruelling four-hour ordeal, filled with tears and frustration. As parents, we felt the weight of exhaustion bearing down on us, our hopes for restful nights slipping further away with each passing day. We worried about Jon’s sleep—and ours—wondering if we’d ever find a solution to this seemingly insurmountable challenge.
Then came Casper, an adorable bundle of joy. When he came to us, Jon was instantly drawn to his playful spirit and warm, furry embrace. It was as if Casper knew that he had a special role to play in our family. The bond they formed was immediate and heartwarming; it felt like Casper had come into our lives at the perfect moment, as if he was meant to help us through this difficult phase.
On one of those nights, as we settled Jon into bed, we decided to let Casper join us. I’ll never forget the look on Jon’s face when he saw Casper snuggle up next to him. It was magical. For the first time, bedtime felt different. As Casper curled up at the foot of Jon’s bed, a sense of calm filled the room. With Casper there, Jon seemed to feel more secure, as if he had a guardian by his side.
The hours that followed were a revelation. Instead of tossing and turning, Jon drifted off peacefully, and when he did wake up during the night, Casper was right there. The gentle nudge of a furry friend was all it took to settle him back down, often without a peep. The frantic bedtime struggles faded into a distant memory, replaced by a soothing routine that benefited everyone in the family.
Casper transformed our nights from chaotic to serene. Where once we would find ourselves pacing the halls, trying to soothe Jon back to sleep, we now enjoyed moments of quiet together. Our family dynamic shifted; we were happier, less stressed, and could finally bond over shared laughter instead of frustration.
With Casper’s help, Jon learned to embrace bedtime as a time for comfort and companionship rather than anxiety. Our hearts swelled with gratitude as we finally began to experience those blissful nights of uninterrupted sleep that we had longed for.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. The simple presence of a furry friend changed everything for us. Jon and Casper became inseparable, and the love they share is evident in every cuddle and every moment spent together.
As a parent, it fills my heart with joy to see my child finally at peace during those quiet hours. Casper is not just a service dog; he’s a member of our family who brought healing during a time of struggle. His gentle spirit has reminded us of the power of love and companionship, teaching us that sometimes, the best solutions come in the most unexpected forms.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. For us, it was a furry friend who turned our bedtime battles into cherished moments. If you’re facing similar struggles, consider how a service dog might bring comfort and joy to your family. Sometimes, love takes the shape of a wagging tail and a warm cuddle, and it can change everything.
Sep 11, 2024
Ever since their first meeting back in April on ITV’s This Morning, it was obvious that there was a lovely friendship in the making. So when Sir Ian suffered a serious accident during a performance of Player Kings on the West End in June… what did the Dr order?… Puppy Love of course!
We are so proud that Buddy was able to spend a few days with Sir Ian, and hope he was a real tonic in helping him recuperate. Following Buddy’s stay, Sir Ian wrote these words:
“Buddy and I met on the sofa of the TV morning show, when he was happy to sit alongside me as I talked about playing Falstaff onstage. This was not long before I slipped, slid and fell from the stage, injuring wrist and neck but not much else, thanks to the fat suit I was acting in.
Hilary, Buddy’s mentor and guardian, contacted me. I had told her how much I’ve enjoyed living with dogs throughout my life, though currently I am single, as it were. So she had an idea that Buddy might be the perfect companion to be with me as I recovered at home. And so it proved. Hilary set up his crate in my bedroom where he quietly slept within sight and sound of me. During the day, he rarely left my side.
But he’s a puppy, full of energy, and I found even the short walks in our nearby park could be a strain when he wanted to pull on his lead to play with another dog, eager for canine company. I was nervous that he might inadvertently wrench my wrist but goodness me, what a charmer he is, in looks and personality, with that love for food and treats which I was happy to believe was evidence that he also loved me a little bit.
I shall watch his progress with great interest, in the certainty that Hilary will train him up to be the perfect companion for someone who really needs his support to cope.”
This is their first meeting:
This is their reunion:
If you would like to see more videos about Dogs for Autism, please head on over to our Youtube channel.
YouTube channel
Sep 9, 2024
Join us at the BVA on Thursday, 19th September, to explore volunteering opportunities with Dogs for Autism! 🐶
We’re on the lookout for passionate puppy parents and event volunteers to help support our mission. We will be there from 11am until 2pm and from 12pm to 1pm, our amazing volunteers and staff will be demonstrating a small class with our adorable puppies in training. Come meet the pups, chat with our volunteers, and learn how you can make a life changing difference. We can’t wait to see you there! 🐕❤️
Aug 23, 2024
My autism assistance dog has saved my life
Before fifteen-year-old Peter Wilson, who has autism, was partnered with his assistance dog Coco, life for Peter and his family was almost unbearable. Unable to participate in school, or spend time out and about, the family were desperate. That’s when Coco the Cavapoo came along. Coco has since given Peter, and his family, their lives back meaning they can now look ahead to an independent future for Peter.
If you would like to see more videos about Dogs for Autism, please head on over to our Youtube channel.
YouTube channel