Support Dogs honours The Kennel Club

National assistance dog charity Support Dogs has thanked the The Kennel Club for its long-standing support.

The Special Recognition Award was given to the Kennel Club at an annual Awards and Graduation Ceremony held by the charity. It recognised The Kennel Club’s role as a vocal advocate for the work of assistance dog charities, as well as its considerable financial support.

Over the past three years alone, the Kennel Club has donated more than £60,000 to the charity through the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which provides financial support to canine scientific research and charities such as Support Dogs.

This year also saw increased national awareness of the charity’s work after Support Dog Azerley became a finalist in the Kennel Club’s Friends for Life Awards which was broadcast live at Crufts at the NEC Birmingham in March.

The ceremony marks the successful completion of almost two years of training by assistance dogs who provide vital support to children with autism and those affected by disability and epilepsy.

The event, held in Sheffield, is also an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of volunteers and donors to the charity’s work across the country.

Steve Dean, chairman of trustees at the Kennel Club Charitable Trust who accepted the award, said: “Celebration of the support dog’s role is very important to highlight the benefit that dogs bring to the lives of those who need their assistance and companionship.

“This award helps bring into the spotlight the unique bond that can exist between humans and their dogs. The Kennel Club Charitable Trust was delighted to receive this accolade, it signals the success of a wonderful charitable venture and we are proud to have contributed towards the work of Support Dogs.”

Danny Anderson, fundraising manager at Support Dogs, said: “Our awards and graduation ceremony is a hugely memorable event, marking the start of a life changing partnership between a client and their support dog. It also recognises those wonderful people who so kindly support our charity’s work.

“Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to the Kennel Club for its significant contribution to our work, both financially and in publicly championing the considerable impact assistance dogs make to the lives of those affected by a wide range of medical condition across the UK.”

For more information visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or follow @supportdogsuk on twitter.