Vet, broadcaster, and campaigner Marc Abraham is hosting a special online event for Support Dogs, aimed at helping the charity find more canine heroes.

Support Dogs trains life-saving assistance dogs for children and adults affected by autism, epilepsy and disability. One in four of the dogs the charity trains come from rescue centres or as unwanted pets. It proudly describes itself as ‘the charity that gives unwanted dogs a second chance.’

Marc (pictured left) will be joined by TV presenter Gail Porter (below right) in presenting an online seminar aimed at educating rescue centres and the public on this unique aspect of the work of the charity in a bid to boost the number of Support Dogs’ potentially life-changing pooches.

To meet the rising demand for its services Support Dogs is encouraging rescue centres and pet owners to consider the charity when looking for new homes for animals that have the potential to become professional service dogs.

The ‘Rescue dog to support dog’ zoom seminar takes place at 7pm on Thursday February 25 aims to inform rescue centre staff or anyone involved in re-homing how the charity works and what kind of dogs they are looking for. There will also be the chance to meet to some of the Support Dogs’ clients who have gone through the process. It is free to attend and tickets can be booked at www.supportdogs.org.uk/rescuenight

“I think what Support Dogs does – taking animals from rescue centres or unwanted pets and turning them into vital, life changing assistance dogs - is absolutely brilliant, both for the dogs and for the people whose lives they transform,” says Marc.

“The seminar is an opportunity for anyone, including those involved with rescue centres or people who may have a young dog they can no longer look after to find out how Support Dogs work and train their animals, and the qualities required for an unwanted dog to become a hero hound.”

Support Dogs is a small national charity which trains assistance dogs for children with autism and adults with epilepsy and physical disability, enabling them to lead safer, more independent lives.

Says Rita Howson, chief executive of Support Dogs:” As a charity, we do not shy away from dogs that may be classed as difficult and therefore left without a home, as we know from experience that given the correct training, a good home and care these dogs can become fantastic assistance dogs.”

Although assistance dogs need to have different characteristics for each training programme, they all need to be confident and adaptable, dog-friendly, people-orientated with no major fears or phobias. They should also be between the ages of 10 months and two years old.

Support Dogs is committed to high standards dog welfare, with trainee dogs never spending a night in kennels, but instead living with local foster carers. Potential support dogs typically spend a month working with the charity’s training team for a thorough assessment, before a decision is made about their future.

To book your place visit www.supportdogs.org.uk/rescuenight