In a touching interview with The Mirror, This Morning host Cat Deeley opens up about how our very own This Morning Star Buddy brought unexpected comfort during a time of personal loss. Her words highlight just how powerful the bond between humans and dogs can be — especially one as special as Buddy.
German dog food manufacturer, Dr Clauder’s, in partnership with their UK Distributor, Victory Pet Products Ltd, is proud to announce their Sponsorship of Dogs for Autism.
Dr. Clauder’s is a top German brand focused on pet health and nutrition, offering a wide range of high-quality products for dogs and cats. The company is known by pet owners and professionals for its premium pet food and supplements, which are made with quality ingredients to promote the well-being of pets.
Unfortunately, many dogs are suffering with many health issues that are brought on by poor diet, such as canker and yeast leading to sore smelly and irritable ears, anal gland issues, sores and itchiness on the skin.
The Dr Clauder’s Hypo-Sensitive and Wildlife product range has been developed to tackle these issues by ensuring the use of only the best fresh and dried meat, and novel proteins such as insect, venison and herring complete the range. The recipes are grain, gluten, salt and sugar free. Complimented with a natural air-dried meat training treat range, this offers the trainers and partners of these amazing dogs the best fuel for them to thrive in their amazing work.
Grovely Pets, Specialists in Pet Nutrition and Healthcare, sister company to Victory Pet Products, is working closely with the charity to ensure the dogs are happy and healthy and will go on to live their lives to the full, undertaking this important assistance dog role to enrich lives and expand horizons.
Liz Chislett-Milne, Director in both Victory Pet Products and Grovely Pets said “we have known about the fantastic work Dogs for Autism do for a number of years, as the charity is based locally in Hampshire, so when the opportunity arose for us to enter into this sponsorship partnership we jumped at the opportunity. Working together, we can use our 15 years of expertise in natural feeding, ensure they go on to lead happy healthy lives, enriching the lives of their autistic partners.”
Worlds first Cultivated Protein Training Snack
Dr Clauder’s have launched to the market their first training treat made with Cultivated Protein, available to win on the Spin the Wheel competition at stand 5-69.
Dr Clauder’s Cultivated Protein Trainee Snack, is the first dog treat in the world to be made using the FeedKind Pet protein ingredient, produced by US-based biotechnology company Calysta. The ingredient is made by natural fermentation of land-free carbon sources through the action of microbes, resulting in a low-cost, digestible protein with a complete amino acid profile made using no agricultural land and very little water.
Alexander Gerards, Managing Partner at Dr Clauder’s Solutions for Pets said: “Novel proteins produced with respect for nature, which are vegetarian, nutritious and tasty are well sought after. We are happy that with FeedKind Pet we were able to develop a dog treat that delivers just that: vegetarian, complete amino acid profile and delicious. Dr Clauder’s Trainee Snack cultivated protein is a true innovation meeting market demand.”
We are raising money during Crufts for this amazing Charity, Dogs for Autism, with great show offers on products on the stand, so pop along to see what amazing work these dogs do for their autistic partners and help us support the fantastic work that the team from Dogs for Autism do.
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.
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.
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
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! 🐕❤️
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.
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.
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
We are so excited to be launching a new range of BUDDY Merchandise!!!
Not only is he the cutest and most photogenic puppy, but he makes an awesome tshirt design too!!!
Treat yourself and support us at the same time!
See full range hereBecause we want our products to be made as sustainably as possible, we work with Teemill, an open-access circular economy supplier that makes products designed to be remade.
It matters to us that our products do not harm the environment. That’s why they are made using natural materials and renewable energy. To help wildlife thrive, the natural cotton in your products is produced organically, without any nasties or micro-plastics that can go back into and damage the environment.
Our packaging is also made from plants, not plastic. Your order arrives in this fun paper mailer that’s great for colouring in and can be reused to wrap gifts.
Would you like to meet Buddy, the famous ITV Pup, and capture a special memory with him at Lavender Fields?
Join us on July 7th at the Lavender Fields Hampshire, Selborne, for a unique opportunity to support Buddy, our adorable Labrador puppy in training and star of the @ThisMorning family on ITV!
Buddy’s training costs around £25,000 and you can help by booking a 15-minute portrait session with him. For a £25 booking fee (fully donated to Buddy’s training), you’ll receive a social media resolution digital image of this unforgettable experience. 📸🐾
Find out more and book here:
Book here
👉 Please note: Dogs are not allowed for this session. If you want pictures of your own dogs in the Lavender Fields, check out Lavender Sessions with Dogs In Focus.
This donation does not include the entry fee to Lavender Fields.
Don’t miss out on this unique chance to contribute to a wonderful cause and capture a special moment with Buddy! 🐶💜