Walton resident all shook up as she trains puppy Elvis to become life-saver

Tammy Marsh, aged 49, is a volunteer puppy socialiser for the charity Support Dogs, which trains assistance dogs for children and adults with autism, epilepsy and disability.

Before the dogs start their formal training at the age of 18 months, they are homed with local dog-loving volunteers who teach them some basic training as well as giving them plenty of love and affection.

Tammy had had pet dogs as a child but wasn’t keen on having a dog again, knowing the bulk of care would fall to her. But pressure from ten-year-old daughter Martha, and husband Jonathan, who had grown up with black labradors, eventually won her round.

She said: “I didn’t want the responsibility of having another pet dog for 10 or 15 years, but when I saw the Facebook ad by Support Dogs for puppy socialisers it sounded ideal.

"We get lots of support and training provided, and you only have the dog for 14 months so it seems the good half-way house.”

Tammy applied to the charity at the beginning of the year and although she didn’t expect to get a puppy until September, black labrador Elvis arrived in May – perfect timing with the country in complete lockdown.

She said: “It’s ironic, as it was me who didn’t really want a dog but actually he is gorgeous and adorable – and he is very much my dog. He follows me everywhere wherever I go in the house, trots upstairs after me and comes into the kitchen when I do the cooking.

“I’m a beautician working from home and because I had so little to do because of the effects of lockdown, I’ve been able to spend lots of time on training. He’s had all my attention and I’ve been working hard with him.”

All puppy socialisers who volunteer with Support Dogs attend regular puppy classes – via Zoom during lockdown – and later in parks. They have also formed a WhatsApp group which provides support as well lots of handy tips on how to cope with energetic young puppies.

She added: “It’s just fantastic to think we’re playing a part in turning a normal dog into a life-saver.”