Man's best friend can fetch a pair of slippers, drool over the newspaper or stake a claim to most of the sofa without too much difficulty, writes Amanda Castleman. But at Banbury there can be found an altogether different breed - gentle, intelligent creatures who can bring in the milk, empty the washing machine, carry the shopping - and even pay for it.

Dogs for the Disabled, a national charity, has moved its headquarters and training centre to Blacklocks Hill on the edge of the town. Soon the yellow-and-blue-jacketed dogs will be seen padding the streets and shopping precincts.

They will become street-wise, unruffled by the sharp hiss of lorry air brakes and the caterwaul of police sirens. This calm, cool attitude is entirely necessary for their work, helping disabled people live more comfortably. These are not guide or hearing dogs; their training depends on the need of their human "partner". A dog's life may include retrieving cordless telephones; picking up dropped keys, bags or even crutches; switching lights on and off; retrieving slippers, gloves and remote controls, barking to raise the alarm in an emergency and helping people to walk.

Shep, a border collie who lives with a wheelchair user in a rural area, opens and closes doors, and does the shopping by presenting a list to the shopkeeper. Once the wicker basket is filled, he trots home, its wide handle firmly in his mouth.

Elma's partner can't get close enough to work the washing machine, but the golden Labrador nips his head inside and pulls the clothing out. Larry, a honey-coloured Lab, helps his partner stand. Her disability makes her fall over, but by pushing on the dog's rump and shoulders, Caroline can lever herself up.

Jackie Williamson, the charity's press officer, explains: "Assistance dogs alleviate many of the frustrations of everyday living for people with disabilities."

The idea sprang from Frances Hay, who lost a leg when she was a teenager. As her bone cancer progressed, her disability increased. In her thirties, even the simplest tasks became impossible.

Her pet dog Kim stepped into the gap. The Belgian shepherd learned to help her mistress walk on uneven ground and to climb stairs. She used her natural canine instincts for retrieving and pulling to accomplish simple household tasks. Frances realised that other disabled people could also benefit from a helping paw and formed Dogs for the Disabled. She died four years later at 41, but her ideas are still in practice every day.

"Since 1986, when the charity began, 183 dogs and clients have qualified. At present, there are 127 active part- nerships," Jackie says. Fourteen years and fewer than 200 dogs - it seems a rather relaxed pace.

Don't be fooled, though - the training is intensive and expensive and each trained animal represents £7,500 and several years of dedicated, customised work. This from a charity with no Government funding, just donations and grants. Even with such loving care, not every pooch can transform into an assistance dog. Toys, titbits, praise and cuddles encourage the dogs to develop good behaviour. When they fail a task, the treats are withheld. Jackie explains: "A dog lives with a puppy-walker for 12 to 14 months.

"It is then assessed on willingness and ability for a month. This is followed by eight weeks' basic training during which it learns basic obedience, social skills and simple tasks.

"Intermediate training, which harnesses the dog's natural pulling and retrieving instincts, lasts a further eight weeks." A dog's working life lasts about eight years, though a willing and able pooch could continue longer. Jackie says: "If circumstances allow, the client may keep the retired dog. Where this is not possible, the animal is found a new home."

The charity's move to Banbury, financed mainly by a £600,000 grant from the National Lotteries Training Board, means the dogs may become a familiar sight.

"They are all lovely, friendly animals," Jackie says. "Don't hesitate to say hello."

Story date: Saturday 12 February

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