Our family would like to thank everyone for their kind donations for the very sad situation we found ourselves in regarding Hovis, our son's autism therapy dog. With your kind contributions, we can now get her ashes home and cover the enormous vet bills. Even though we didn't reach our target, we have still managed to start some very basic training with Luna (Hovis's sister) and she is responding well. Ben and Luna's relationship has definitely deepened and she has become very protective over him. She has gained a playmate and Ben has found some comfort in her attachment to him. Although times are still rough and he still has moments of raw grief, we seem to be able to manage each day better than the last (with Luna's help). Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts - gives us some sort of confidence back in humanity! Debbie, Stephan, Tamara & Ben

Update: Poppie has started to nibble her food again after not eating for a while. She is also getting more tolerant of Luna and has started to initiate play after alienating her for days. Ben & Luna's relationship has already become closer. He has acquired a new little shadow!

Kevin Burch from BBC Look East visited today to report on Ben & his special dog Hovis, Autism & this terrible tragedy. Should be on Monday 6pm, interview with Ben & what Hovis meant to him, Tamara & how she helped raise the pups & footage of Luna & Poppie. I'll post a link too!