Thanks for supporting Ernie (From Malvern Gazette)

Thanks for supporting Ernie

10:54am Friday 21st September 2007 in Letters

I would like to thank everyone who supported the Malvern Chase Brass Band for Ernie's Concert' last week. We had an extremely successful evening and raised a fantastic £524.60 for Support Dogs.

Kate took me to Sheffield for training a few days later, whereupon I presented Support Dogs with the cheque. Work will shortly start on rebuilding the training centre, which readers will know was devastated by floods in June. In the meantime South Yorkshire Police have kindly offered the use of their dog training facilities so minimising the disruption to the training and socialisation programmes to dogs like myself. Kate is delighted about this as she says by having me with her at all times gives her independence and the freedom to do what and go where she wants.

In a couple of week's time I shall be going to Sheffield for my intensive, final stages of training. If I pass then I hope to be on my probationary period'. Watch this space.

In the meantime, check out my training blog at www.support-dogs.org.uk.

Assistance Dogs' is the umbrella term covering Support Dogs, Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs, Dogs for the Disabled and Canine Partners, although individual members are separate organisations. Next year, 2008, is Year of the Assistance Dog'.

Thank you for supporting Support Dogs.

Ernie (and Kate) Arnett, Old Orchard, Upton-upon-Severn.