Marvellous Maya the rehomed lab is given chance as potential assistance dog by Support Dogs
Setbacks can serve as powerful motivators for change and growth.
And Support Dogs knows this better than others.
Champions of the second chance, the Sheffield-based national charity provides and trains specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children, as well as adults with epilepsy or a physical disability, to live safer, more independent lives.
Over the past 33 years, one in four of the charity’s dogs have joined the organisation from rescue centres or as unwanted pets.
Gorgeous chocolate labrador, Maya, came to Support Dogs in October after her owner could no longer provide her with what she needs.
Described as a “busy, lively dog”, the two-year-old has passed her four-week assessment and is now in the very early stages of training as an assistance dog.
Trainer Emily High said: “She’s really good and so intelligent. At the moment, we’re working on her confidence-building.
“She had a fantastic start and lived in a house with cats but her owner recognised her potential and that she would be wasted as a pet dog when she could make a difference to someone who needs her.
“She’s very attentive and just loves being busy. She’s so sweet, smart and clever – she’s come along and fit right in at our training centre.”
Emily added that one loveable trait of Maya’s is that her “tail doesn’t stop wagging”.
Support dog Thunda, a yellow lab, was an unwanted pet and has since gone on to help young Franklin Jordan, who is autistic and lives in Bolton, to make sense of the world and to keep him safe.
Fellow support dog Cleo the labradoodle has an unbreakable bond with client Natalie Hibberd, of Hampshire, who has cerebral palsy – the former rescue dog opens and closes doors, picks up dropped items and generally makes Natalie feel safe in a world she found hostile before the pooch’s arrival.
Support Dogs relies on a selfless army of volunteers to look after its dogs when they’re not in training.
Fiona Burton is a volunteer foster carer who has the pleasure of caring for Maya in the evenings and weekends.
Fiona, who was named the charity’s Volunteer of the Year last year, said: “Maya is a beautiful chocolate labrador who has settled happily with our family and our cat, Cain. She loves walks in the Peak District and even does Hillsborough Parkrun.
“She is starting to attend events and is bright and able so potentially could do any of the charity’s three programmes – autism, disability or epilepsy seizure alert. She also gets on well with other dogs on the programme and with everybody she meets. We absolutely love her and are so grateful to the supporter who donated her.”
Support Dogs relies entirely on voluntary donations. To make a vital donation, or even sponsor a support dog, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk/donate or call 0114 2617800.