Torteval Irish Wolfhounds

Titch lives with Shirley and Andrew Lumley; their second wolfhound, following in the giant paw-prints of their first wolfhound, Bodie.

Shirley works as an assistance dog trainer for Support Dogs, training dogs to be alert to the early warning signs of a seizure in owners who have epilepsy. Titch isn't on the training programme, but lots of his friends are, including this ten week old labradoodle puppy . . .

For a YouTube video showing what support dogs get up to when the trainers are at lunch click here.

The video features Eddie the little terrier, rescued from the local pound, who climbs onto the table with help from his friend Oyster. Eddie has now been matched with a young man who has epilepsy and will be joining his new family in the spring.

Ben the yellow labrador turns off the light at the end, after just a few weeks' training. He was given to Support Dogs after living most of his life in the garden. His owners did care for him but not in the right way - he had blueberry muffins and chocolate milk for breakfast! After joining Support Dogs he lost 3kg in seven weeks. He is settling well but has a long way to go yet, and will be with the group for six months at least.

Everyone's favourite is Dylan, at the computer. He is the most laid back dog, very reserved and takes his time to consider things and people. It's proving hard to match him as many clients with epilepsy have learning difficulties and need the dog to bring them out of themselves, but Dylan won't bother. He has a "take me has you find me or not at all attitude". He's the same with tasks: he can and will do it, but no more than twice, then he just looks and says "What's the point, darling?" Sounds like there could be more than a little wolfhound in Dylan!

If you're going to visit Crufts this year, watch out for Titch who will be there as a fundraiser for Support Dogs. He'll be easy to spot as he'll be wearing a special jacket with two side
pockets holding collection tins!

As part of his training, Shirley took him and his friend, Nellie, to Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield. Click on the pic to see how Titch got on . . .