LABRADOR puppy Prince is about to change the life of a young boy with autism, thanks to the fundraising efforts of customers, hosts and friends of a dog sitting service.

Prince is the first of two successful ‘puppy partnerships’ between Barking Mad Lydney and the charity Dogs for Good.

The Oxfordshire-based charity trains dogs to help children and adults facing challenges like autism, physical disabilities, special educational needs and dementia and every year runs a ‘Dogtober’ fundraising initiative to raise awareness of its work.

Barking Mad began working with Dogs for Good in 2017. 

Since then the dog sitting network has raised nearly £20,000 and has been funding the training of two new assistance dogs, Prince and Wendy. 

The money has been raised through events such as coffee mornings, quizzes and making toy puppies out of facecloths to sell. 

Lucy Callaway of Barking Mad Lydney, said: “We’re delighted to have sponsored two puppies in training who will go on to make such a life changing difference.

“We’d love others to join us in helping to provide more desperately needed assistance dogs by attending our local events and via our online fundraising page.

“Dogs for Good keeps us up to date on the puppies’ progress with regular letters.

“Prince, who’s a labrador, is the first success story. Wendy, a labra- dor/golden retriever cross, is doing really well too, and we hope to be sponsoring the training of a third puppy soon.

“Time after time we see the emotional and physical effects that dogs have on the members of our host community, who care for our doggy guests whilst their owners are away.

“It’s our understanding of the benefits of dog companionship which has led us to become official supporters of Dogs for Good.”

Prince’s trainer Mel Wood said the pup has passed his 16-week assessment and completed early training.

He will now move on to the next stage of his career on a ‘matching visit’ with a family.

For more about Barking Mad Lydney’s fundraising or dog home boarding service, call 01594 372194.

To support the group go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BarkingMadLydney