In 2015 I met AJ and her assistance dog Uma, I did not realise from that day on the impact that these two would have on me, let alone getting to the stage where i would apply to run 26.2 miles for them!  I have never met an assistance dog before and probably never really thought about what they actually do or what effect they have on people lives, my support for Dogs for Good started! 

Uma came into AJ's life in November 2014, from this point AJ's life started to change beyond belief. They now share the most impressive bond, which helps AJ get out into the big wide world with less anxiety and stress but also Uma knows if AJ is going to have an attack and very quickly deals with the situation so she can support AJ through it. The amazing Uma helps around the home too, helping AJ get undressed, opening and closing doors, fetching and carrying items, even helping with the washing and when those bad days come Uma will not leave AJ's side. 

AJ's comment on my big announcement: To have Amanda do the London Marathon on behalf of Dogs For Good is so so amazingly fantastic. This support to help dogs like, and including, Uma is mind blowing for me. The charity got Uma through her puppy socialising, her early and advanced training...to a level where she can support and help me. They will support Uma throughout her working life, paying her insurance and providing continual support, advice and checking whenever we need it. Thank you Amanda for what you are embarking on...the training, the focus, the dedication and the full kindness for helping us and many others to improve lives...to enable us to go out and feel safe...to enable us to have an assistance dog become part of us. This all has a huge knock on affect to those around me also...my partner can leave me at home knowing that Uma is there to help. Uma will fetch my phone if I fall, she'll cuddle up to me when I'm in pain, she'll get me out to exercise, she'll make me laugh and relieve stresses. Uma is there for me...always.

Costs

Training an assistance dog is probably more expensive than you think:

Puppy purchase (including starter kit) - £1,000
Basic training (starts around 14 months and lasts about 16 weeks) - £2,097
Advanced training (lasts around 8 weeks) - £2,360
From puppy to partnership (depending on type of partnership) - from £11,917-£14,407
Lifetime cost per dog (including retirement costs) - £19,527