When Martin Dunn’s little bundle of joy arrived, all wide-eyed and drooling, he knew he had an important job to do.

Despite the sleepless nights and toilet training, his mission was to ensure this little mite would go on to do great things in life.

But this was not a human in his charge, this was a life-changing trainee support dog pup.

This Father’s Day, Martin looks back over the joy the wonderpooches he looks after as a volunteer puppy socialiser for the Support Dogs charity have brought him since he stepped into the role five years ago.

The 48-year-old, from Marple in Stockport, recalls taking on first pup, chocolate Labrador Ruby and his family’s first night with her.

“It was a bit of a bumpy start with Ruby as she was a bit unwell,” said Martin, who is married to Sue, an assistant headteacher. “It was a shock to the system, as we’d never had a dog before.

“I think I found it easier bringing my daughter home from hospital.

“We were all at sea, especially as it was in the middle of Covid.

“But we got through it. There were some sleepless nights at first, but it was May so the nights were lighter, and finding a chocolate Labrador in the dark was always fun!”

It was certainly a baptism of fire – Martin’s daughter slept through from around four weeks old, whereas the pups had other ideas.

He persevered through crate training, resolving not to give in: “It’s a bit like with children, I would say, finding a balance between being upset and self soothing; they pretty quickly get the idea and see it as safe space.

“I know a few people give in with that, but you have to stand firm and ride it out. It can be hard but it is good for them in the long run.”

But he added: “It was all worth it, once you’re getting those puppy cuddles, lots of play and fun.”

Weaning the pups onto solids could also prove a challenge: “They tend to get upset stomachs as they are tiny and their systems are still developing,” added Martin, a former civil engineer who was named Support Dogs’ Volunteer of the Year in 2023.

“But you change the food gradually, give them some time and they start to cope fine.”

Martin praised the guidance of Support Dogs’ puppy co-ordinators, as well as its network of fellow volunteer puppy socialisers, who are there for playdates. “The co-ordinators are there to help you at any hour if you’ve got any problems.”

When it comes to vaccinations, most parents feel for their children and want to shield them from pain, but Martin proved strong-willed: “There’s the little screech they make when the needle goes in, but it’s usually fine with a nice cuddle and a dog treat!.”

Martin and his family have benefitted socially and fitness-wise, meeting more people while out and about and getting more active with dog walks.

They have also looked after yellow Lab Emmet, who arrived as a nine-week-old rescue pup from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, who Martin describes as “full of confidence”, as well as golden retriever Betty.

Last Father’s Day, the Dunns were blessed with the company of yellow Labrador Wendy, who has been living and working as an autism assistance dog with a youngster in Derbyshire since November.

Martin has no doubt he will be treated to a family meal this year – with current support dog pup Otis in tow.

Otis has been with the Dunns since November, and they had a shock as he is one of the charity’s bigger dogs.

Describing his relationship with Red Fox Labrador Otis, Martin says: “At the moment, I feel like he’s my best friend.

“When they are a pup, they are completely dependent on you. It is like having a baby, at first – you are spending all the time you’re awake with them.

“It’s exactly the same as wanting your child to flourish – when they have little successes in assessments or doing taskwork, you do get that lovely feeling.”

Support Dogs trains and provides assistance dogs to help children and adults affected by autism, epilepsy and physical disability.

To find out more about the incredible work of Support Dogs, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.

 

Classic puppy hi-jinx

• Ruby ate the heads off some flowers in Sainbury’s whilst Martin looked away for a second and was paying at the till.
• Betty stole a sandwich and a slurp of tea from a guest at a Puppy Tea Party at Kenwood Hall Hotel in Sheffield.
• Otis recently stole a ‘toothbrush’ chew from a pet shop and Martin had to go back and pay for it.
• Otis was on his long line playing in a stream when he crossed the stream, wrapped his long line around a tree on the other side then came back - Martin had to wade across knee deep to free him.
• Martin went for Sunday lunch at his mum and dad’s house when after lunch, Betty snook off and had a good go at the left-over half joint of beef in the kitchen - Betty was very pleased, his dad was gutted!
• Wendy did the classic ‘Marley and Me’ move by having a poo in the sea on a very beautiful and busy beach in North Wales – it’s the only poo Martin’s not picked-up!