DO YOU have a love of animals and would you be willing to give up some of your free time to help them become lifesavers?

That opportunity has arisen for the people of North Ayrshire in conjunction with the charity Medical Detection Dogs. Medical Detection Dogs is a charity that works in partnership with researchers, NHS trusts and universities. Its aim is to train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease. It has two main arms: Cancer Detection Dogs and Medical Alert Dogs. The Medical Alert Assistance Dogs are trained to assist individuals who manage complex medical conditions, such as diabetes, certain heart conditions, Addison’s and severe nut allergy on a day-to-day basis. For diabetics the dogs are taught to identify the odour changes that are associated with certain medical events, such as a drop in blood sugar level and then alert the owner who can take the necessary action. There are currently 62 dogs partnered across the UK and with more funding this number will increase. Mandie Danks, who is based in Kilbirnie, has recently been appointed to recruit a group of volunteers who would be willing to home one of the puppies and help them on their way to becoming a Medical Alert Assistance Dog. Mandie explained the background and what would be required. She said: “No previous training experience is required as volunteers will receive regular support and advice but we do need you to be able to attend locally held puppy training classes on a regular basis. “We are looking for people who can have a dog with them most of the day, can follow positive dog training methods, like getting out and about and have a secure, dog-friendly garden. We provide food, equipment and cover all veterinary costs while the puppy is with their socialiser, which could be anything from a few weeks to up to 18 months. Because our dogs will be going onto work with a wide variety of people, we are looking volunteers with all sorts of lifestyles from busy, active homes with children or pets through to quieter homes where dogs will experience a more sedate day to day routine. “I am also looking to raise awareness of Medical Detection Dogs through talks with local schools, groups or businesses and if any individuals would like to get involved with the charity through fundraising or as a volunteer speaker then I would love to hear from them. Medical Detection Dogs are also keen to work with local businesses and individuals who feel they could help us raise more awareness to our work by putting posters up, perhaps having one of our collection cans or who would be interested in fundraising in some way for us.” Mandie can be contacted by email at mandie.danks@medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk, on 07946 202756, through their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MedicalDetectionDogsScotland or via Twitter @MDDScotland.

For more information visit website is www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk