Dynamic doggy duo will transform lives of families living with dementia

Project is looking for homes for specially trained labradors

A project which trains dogs to help families coping with dementia is hoping to find homes for two of its star pupils.

The Dementia Dog Project, run by Alzheimer Scotland and Dogs for Good, trains dogs to help with a range of specialist tasks, from retrieving medication to helping wake someone up to get dressed and they can help with getting out and about in the local community.

Now, after two years of intensive training, dynamic labrador duo Lenny and Hope have the skills to help enhance the quality of life for people living with early-stage dementia.

A drop-in session in Kirkcaldy tomorrow will allow prospective candidates to meet the dogs and discuss the possibility of using their services.

Project manager Fiona Corner said: “It is wonderful to see the incredible impact these dogs can have for the people they go on to live with and support. We are now keen to hear from couples and families who would like to apply for one of these specially trained dogs.

“We are welcoming inquiries from people living throughout central Scotland. We are looking for people who are in the early stages of dementia and living at home with a full-time carer, have a fenced garden and love dogs. You don’t need to have previously owned a dog. These highly trained dogs are provided free of charge, with support and training from the Dementia Dog Project.”

Six months ago, Malcolm and his wife and full-time carer, Imke, received assistance dog Webb.

Imke said: “Webb helps in all sorts of practical ways – fetching medication, taking off Malcolm’s socks, finding and opening doors and getting us out of the house together.

“Webb introduces laughter back into the home; in turn Malcolm benefits by Webb giving me the strength to cope.

“The wonderful people from Alzheimer Scotland have also come into our lives to offer technical support and assistance in accessing practical help.”

Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “The Dementia Dogs project is a fantastic example of collaborative and pioneering working to develop different types of support for people living with dementia.

“Over the past five years, the project has had a wonderful impact for a number of families and we are looking forward to seeing more people living with dementia benefit from the support of a dementia assistance dog.”

A drop-in session will be held tomorrow from 10am-2.30pm at the Alzheimer Scotland Fife Dementia Resource Centre in Kirkcaldy. Another session will be held in Aberdeen on Thursday July 5 from 1-3.30pm.

To attend email nsutherland@alzscot.org or call 07771 358843.

Labradors Lenny and Hope are ready to find new homes after two years of intensive training with the Dementia Dog Project.