Alert For All Dog Lovers Definitely Including Woofgang!

[ladybirder]

Tonight @ 8pm Ch.4 a new Series of 3 episodes called Rescue Dog to Super Dog. It is a series pairing dogs from rescue centres around the UK with six people with disabilities. Aided by two of the country's top dog trainers, the aim is to transform the canine companions into disability helper dogs in 12 weeks. The first edition meets 26-year-old Emily, who has narcolepsy and cataplexy, meaning she can collapse up to 30 times a day, and desperately wants a dog to guard her when she passes out in the street. Meanwhile, Alan, who has Tourette's, wants a dog to support him during his tic attacks, which sometimes leave him hospitalised.
The reason I mention woofgang's name is that one of the country's top dog trainers mentioned is Jo-Rosie Haffenden, the dog psychiatrist I have used and woof and I have discussed in a previous post.
Should be a good watch I hope so anyway.

[silliemillie]

Really looking forward to this, hope it's as heartwarming as it sounds.

[jambutty]

I love to see happy rescue dogs.

[Baldric]

///and desperately wants a dog to guard her when she passes out in the street///

Not too sure about that one, what about someone genuinely try to assist, a Paramedic for instance?

[ladybirder]

Baldric be interesting to see if they show how/if the dog knows the difference between a paramedic/doc/nurse/1staider and a robber all of whom might lean over the lady to either help or rob her.

[Baldric]

That's what I was thinking LB' that's a big ask to train a dog to that standard in 12 weeks.

[ladybirder]

Certainly would and I would be amazed if they did but wouldn't bet on it.

[ladybirder]

Oops sorry for ignoring first two posters,

Me too jambutty, wouldn't have any other dog.

silliemillie so do I, it'd better be good. I shall record it as well.

[jambutty]

What did you think of it lb?

[ladybirder]

I loved it. What a brilliant ad for Rescue dogs seeing the joy they brought into their new owners' lives. Could have done with a little bit more of the dog training and slightly less of the owners' illnesses but thoroughly enjoyable. I felt so sorry for Emily, I have never known anyone with Narcolepsy, what a horrible illness. Couldn't help but laugh at the group of lads with Tourettes and the reaction of people around them. You really would have to smile. And, last but not least, friends of mine who have plans for a time in the future when they will get a dog, who said they would never get a rescue because of the usual reasons, have changed their minds after seeing this programme. Isn't that fab! I am going to email Jo Rosie and tell her.
What did you think? x

[jambutty]

I too loved it lb. What adorable dogs they were, I totally fell in love with Poppy! They were so willing and eager to learn and it just goes to show what love and attention can do for an unwanted dog. That poor girl, just falling down all the time like that and in the end Poppy did the right thing and lay down with her. I thought the lad with Tourettes was great and I had a smile on my face every time he came on screen! Yes, rescue dogs do almost always come with baggage, but so worth it once the work has been put in. Can't wait to see the scruffy little poodle on next week, what a cutie.

[Baldric]

Missed it unfortunately, other things happening (put 'Oops' in search box)
will catch up with it over weekend.

[albaqwerty]

glad to hear your friends are thinking of a rescue dog LB

Lots of time, patience and love needed.

Last pooch was a rescue and gave back more than she took in the way of love and laughter. Miss her very much.

No, I didn't see the programme, animal ones always make me sob, even the happy ones

[jambutty]

Me too albs, but last night it was tears of joy for a change.

[ladybirder]

Alba this was so uplifting you really should give it a go with your love for rescue dogs. x
Baldric as soon as I saw the thread last night about you not being well I could see you were going to miss it. Do try and catch it, would be interested to hear your opinion. Hope you're feeling better today.
Jammy, glad you enjoyed it as well, roll on next week. Pity it's only three episodes. Do you agree that it would have been nice to see a bit more of the training or were you happy with the ratio as it was?

[albaqwerty]

I'll search for it on catch up or some other named thingy shortly. Thank you for telling me it's happy :-D

[jambutty]

I was actually happy with it as it was lb, I enjoyed watching Poppy clowning around! Lively little monkey that she was. They may show more next week. Yes, I wish it was on for longer too.

[paddywak]

A bit off track but the other night I watched a program about peoples experiances on 9/11.One of the people was a blind guy who was on one of the Forty floors.His dog,Salty, was unfastened in his basket when the crash occurred and immediately came to find him and led him to and down the stairs.After descending about twenty floors the crush was that bad with people going down and recue workers trying to reach the upper levels that he released Salty so that he at least could have a chance only a few minutes latter to feel him nudging him as if to say you're not getting rid of me that easy.They both survived and the poor old boy was in tears as he described how some years later Salty had to be put to sleep due to illness probably related to 9/11.The bond between these service dogd and their man/woman never ceases to amaze me.

[ladybirder]

Paddy what a lovely story but sad at the same time and what a clever dog. Glad you posted it. Dogs really can be amazing given a chance but far too many aren't.

Jammy I was happy with it too. I wasn't complaining it was just an observation;-))

[jourdain2]

It was a marvellous programme. At first OH was a bit disturbed about dogs being tied to difficult lives, but then it became clear that they had no other future and that they were thoroughly enjoying their lives as helper-dogs. An inspiring programme, aren't dogs wonderful? What will they be doing in the future?

[paddywak]

Sad's not the word for it ladybirder to lose a pet at any time is bad enough, to go through an experience like that totally reliant on your furry friend it would be totally devasting when you had to let him go.