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 24, 2024
Peter and Coco
“Coco’s made a massive difference to our lives. She’s allowed us to be a family again.”
For families like Peter’s, a Dog for Autism can be life-changing. When we first met Peter, he wouldn’t make eye contact or talk to us. He had issues walking, would bang his head on the ground when he became frustrated and he struggled with speech. His family were isolated and their life was restricted, impacting not only his parents but his little brother.We chose Coco, a cavapoo, for Peter. Her size meant we could train her to jump up on Peter’s lap when she feels him becoming emotionally dysregulated.
A child that could not make eye contact with people would now talk to anyone about Coco. When his emotions became too much to handle, Coco would jump onto his lap to calm him down. Suddenly a child who struggled with day-to-day life became calmer and more confident.
We put a lot of work into integrating Coco into Peter’s school life, with his trainer working in school with them for many months.
“Before, Peter would sit at the back of class and not interact. And, he would have a meltdown over something simple, when he would be inconsolable. But now he’s completely different. He has achieved more this year than the last 7 years in school. Recently he had to give a speech in his English class and Coco was in the classroom with him, so he was able to do the speech with ease. Without Coco he wouldn’t have been able to do it. When we went to parents’ evening every teacher commented on the difference in Peter.”
What is really incredible – and shows the amazing journey Peter and his dog have taken – is that he appeared recently, live on national television, talking about Coco and how she helps him! This wouldn’t have happened without Coco – and Coco wouldn’t have happened without funding from people like you.
You can watch their interview here.
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
Jul 3, 2024
Dr Scott visits the Dogs for Autism Training Centre to meet founder Hilary Armour, and actor Leo Long and talks about the impact Autism has on individuals and families and how having a DfA’s assistance Dog called ‘Cashel’ has helped Leo.
If you would like to see more videos about Dogs for Autism, please head on over to our Youtube channel.
YouTube channel
