VIDEO: Watch Fudge the Sheffield dog's training session as he learns how to change a woman's life

As cute as he is, Fudge isn't here to be cuddled. He is training 9am-5pm Monday to Friday at Sheffield Support Dogs to help change one woman's life for the better.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Sep 2016, 14:45 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2016, 12:43 BST
Fudge is training to be a Disability Assistance Dog at Support Dogs SheffieldFudge is training to be a Disability Assistance Dog at Support Dogs Sheffield
Fudge is training to be a Disability Assistance Dog at Support Dogs Sheffield

His trainer, Amy Twamley, has taught the border terrier cross pug to automatically bring a phone to his disabled owner every time it rings - even if it is hidden, lost, or out of any normal terrier’s reach.

Other skills he will pick up during his 18-week initial Disability Assistance Dog training programme include opening and closing doors, picking up objects, raising the alarm, dressing and undressing, and loading and unloading the washing machine.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Fudge is training to be a Disability Assistance Dog at Support Dogs SheffieldFudge is training to be a Disability Assistance Dog at Support Dogs Sheffield
Fudge is training to be a Disability Assistance Dog at Support Dogs Sheffield

Eight dogs from this charity are already helping people in Sheffield with around 70 in total in the UK.

In addition to Disability Assistance dogs, the charity trains dogs to help the development of autistic children and dogs that can sense and warn epileptic owners up to 50 minutes before they have a seizure.

Amy said one of the best things about assistance dogs is ‘the independence that they give’ to clients.

Danny Anderson, fundraising manager, added: “It’s not just the client that the dog is helping. The impact on the lives of the families of the person in need has been absolutely huge.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Fudge has learnt to automatically bring a ringing telephone to his disabled ownerFudge has learnt to automatically bring a ringing telephone to his disabled owner
Fudge has learnt to automatically bring a ringing telephone to his disabled owner

If all goes well and Fudge passes the rigorous training process he will ‘graduate’ in November 2017.

Judith, a wheelchair-bound woman from Cambridge, will then take Fudge into her home to assist her for the next eight years until he retires.

Ben Needham search team stops excavation workRugby pitch plans spark concerns in Sheffield neighbourhoodSheffield Wednesday first team players donate cash to keep mum-of-four aliveSheffield United: Blades hold Ethan Ebanks-Landell talksQUIZ: Quite a quiet week in world of football then!

Related topics:Sheffield