Natural Instinct is celebrating a six-year partnership with the disability assistance charity, Dog A.I.D.
The pet food brand has supported the charity for years, having previously sponsored two Dog A.I.D dogs and contributed to trainer uniforms and key marketing activity.
The charity is based in Shrewsbury, and is one of eight recognised assistance dog charities in the UK, led by Assistance Dogs UK. It assists people with physical disabilities, helping them to train their own dog to become a qualified assistance dog.
The training, which is run by over 100 voluntary Dog A.I.D trainers, takes place over the course of two years on average.
Both the dog and owner receive specialist education and attain a fully qualified Assistance Dog status through three distinct stages. Since Natural Instinct’s partnership with the charity began, it has trained over 117 Assistance Dogs.
Upon qualification, each dog receives a red Dog A.I.D red jacket provided by Natural Instinct, who also funds Dog A.I.D’s members and supporters newsletter, funded by the brand.
Caroline Lewis, treasurer at Dog A.I.D said: “Dog A.I.D is a small charity so being associated with a well-known, ethically responsible brand such as Natural Instinct is invaluable in raising our profile and increasing our reach to communities, recruiting more trainers and helping a growing number of clients nationwide.
“Not only does the brand support us financially through donations and sponsorships, but the Natural Instinct team are so friendly and caring, always going above and beyond to lend a hand.”
She added: “We often attend similar events, such as Crufts and DogFest, and the Natural Instinct team are always there to assist in helping our tired and sometimes reduced ability attendees prepare and pack down stands.
“We are extremely grateful to the whole team at Natural Instinct for their support over the years and hopeful our relationship can continue.”
Rachel Kirby, a spokesperson for Natural Instinct added: “We have worked with Dog A.I.D for many years now and continue to be amazed by the work they do. Assistance Dogs are truly remarkable, offering much-needed support to those with physical disabilities.
“Not only helping with daily tasks that many of us take for granted, but also helping emotionally to decrease feelings of loneliness and dependence, while increasing confidence. We are so proud to support Dog A.I.D and encourage everyone to learn more about the charity’s amazing work.”
