UK's first dementia dogs start work
Frank and Maureen with dementia dog, Oscar
Two assistance dogs have become the first in the UK to work with people suffering from dementia. Three charities have joined forces for the ground-breaking project, which has already transformed the lives of two couples.
The Dementia Dog project began at the Glasgow School of Art's product design department, and since then has been developed by Alzheimer Scotland, Dogs for the Disabled and Guide Dogs Scotland.
Labrador Kaspa, and golden retriever Oscar, have been specially trained to give practical assistance and reduce the social isolation and anxiety of dementia sufferers.
Oscar joined the project after being withdrawn from guide dog training, and Kaspa was specially selected after completing his socialisation scheme with Dogs for the Disabled.
The duo spent their puppyhood with experienced volunteers who taught them basic training, and at just over a year old, they were moved to the Guide Dogs Training Centre in Forfar, Scotland, for specialised training needed for their new role.
After completing their training in March this year, the pair were sent to live with couples Frank and Maureen, and Ken and Glenys, both of whom are from Angus in Scotland.
Maureen and Ken were recently diagnosed with early-stage dementia, and had been receiving support from Alzheimer Scotland to deal with the new and unwelcome challenges they were facing.
Kaspa and Oscar have been trained to fetch medicines when a reminder alarm goes off, take items from one person to another and wake people up. Having settled into their new homes, the pair are already making a huge difference to the couples' quality of life.
Both couples say they are feeling more motivated and the dogs have given them a reason to go for walks in the park together, where they can meet people and stay in touch with the outside world.
Furthermore, carers Frank and Glenys say the dogs have given their partners a calming new focus. Glenys says simply: "Kaspa has given us our lives back".
Commenting on the project, Joyce Gray of Alzheimer Scotland said: "Dementia Dog has had a truly wonderful impact on the families involved and [we are] delighted to have been part of this ground-breaking project."
Following the success of the pilot project, a further two dogs have already begun their specialised training to become dementia dogs.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
