It was a touching moment when Brenda Cupitt, a long-time Support Dogs’ client, met the cute puppy named in her honour.

Brenda, aged 81, has been a supporter of the Sheffield-based national charity for many years, raising almost £30,000 to support their work. She has a disability assistance dog trained by the charity, Nelson, who is due to retire next year.

To thank Brenda for all her fantastic support over the years, despite ill health, the charity decided to name one of its puppies-in-training after her. And when the two Brendas finally met they got on like a house on fire.

“Little Brenda was really nice and calm, and the two of them sat together having a cuddle for ages,” says Tracey Moore, senior Support Dogs’ instructor, who trained Nelson and is and a friend of both Brendas. “Brenda really enjoyed meeting Brenda the pup. It was lovely to see.”

Brenda has had a close association with Support Dogs for more than 20 years and her grand-daughter Steph is a trainer at the charity. Two years ago she developed a rare form of cancer and a subsequent chest infection from which she was not expected to recover, but even from her bed in intensive care, her only thought was to make sure that her annual cheque to the charity was handed over.

Happily Brenda made a full recovery, and although frail she is able to live at home, with the support of Nelson, who helps her with household chores around the house, and keeps her safe. Nelson is Brenda’s second support dog; she had her first, Millie for more than 15 years, due to severe osteoarthritis in her spine which limits her mobility.

Brenda the puppy is one of number of puppies-in-training with Support Dogs, and is being looked after by puppy socialisers in the Peak District before she embarks on full training at the age of 15 months.

Support Dogs, whose national training centre is in Brightside, is always looking for more puppy socialisers and stay-at-home foster carers to look after its puppies and dogs in training, as their dogs never spend a night in kennels. More information from Support Dogs on 0114 2617800 or email [email protected]