Pupils raise money for helping paws

PUPILS have pledged to raise £800 for an animal charity that trains assistance dogs.

Year six students from the Dixie Grammar School in Market Bosworth visited a Canine Partners dog training centre where they found out how four-legged companions can transform the lives of people with a range of physical disabilities.

As well as offering their owners the security and companionship that many pet owners appreciate, the specially-trained canines can also offer practical help with everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, unloading a washing machine, picking things up, pressing buttons and even fetching help in an emergency.

Some of the dogs are able to help people to get undressed and remove a card from a cash point.

Charity workers say the dogs also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction and self-esteem.

Pupils were so impressed they have planned a range of fundraising activities, including non-uniform days, a dog-themed bake sale and collecting used postage stamps to raise money for the cause.

Form tutor Helen Daniels , who organised the trip, said; “During their visit, the pupils got to know two dogs, Felix and Queenie, and learned how the dogs increase the level of independence and quality of life for their part- ners.

“The pupils were particularly struck by the story of Katy, who suffers from cerebral palsy and whose dog changed her life completely, giving her the confidence to interact more easily with others and ultimately graduate from university and live independently with her dog.”

Canine Partners receives no government funding and relies solely on donations from the public and legacies to continue its work.