Martha’s whippets are helping keep kids safe

MEET Sam and Gilly – a pair of whippets playing a crucial role in the fight against dog attacks.

With owner Martha Brindley, they tour schools to teach children how to behave around dogs, as part of a unique bid to halt the growing menace of attacks.

Nationally, the number of people taken to hospital after dog attacks rose 76% in the 10- year period up to February last year.

And young children are the most commonly affected, according to the Heath and Social Care Information Centre statistics.

However, it’s hoped Sam and Gilly can offset the terrible toll thanks to Martha’s work.

“The key to reducing biting is education,” said Martha last night.

“Showing these kids the safe way to approach dogs is key.

“Some parents don’t know the best way to introduce a pet into a family home and think it’s fine to just let kids run about with the dog, poke it, pull its ears and tail and steal its toys. “But that’s asking for trouble.” The canines met more than 1000 kids last month as part of their role as education dogs for Blue Cross, a charity which finds new homes for abandoned or unwanted pets.

Martha delivers talks to schools and youth groups for the charity about how to handle canines and – ultimately – to help reduce the number of children being bitten by dogs.

But she admits Sam and Gilly are always the stars of the show.

“Kids absolutely love the dogs, they relate better when there’s a live animal there and I can demonstrate what I’m talking about,” she said.

“The dogs love the attention

Martha and pals.