DOGS are more than just pets. They can help us develop emotionally, sense when we’re feeling down, and, for many, they are a lifeline as service animals.
There are currently around 7,000 people in the UK who rely on a registered service dog, and the cost of each support dog partnership—from initial training to client training and ongoing support throughout its working life—is approximately £36,000.
In partnership with Dogs for Good, Support Dogs, Medical Detection Dogs, and other small charities, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust has sponsored more than 30 dogs to become specially trained companions for adults and children coping with a range of medical problems or disabilities.
In this context, the difference they make extends not just to dogs, but to people—people whose lives are transformed by the skill and sensory intelligence of a four-legged friend.
In an effort to raise funds to continue this crucially important work, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has partnered with world-renowned photographer RANKIN to curate a bespoke exhibition at Saatchi Gallery, highlighting some of the UK’s most inspiring service dogs—from hospital therapy Huskies to police force Shiba Inus. The exhibition has been supported by George and The Caring Family Foundation.
RANKIN comments: “I am honoured to have had the privilege to photograph these incredible dogs and their handlers. I have been a dog lover all my life and know what joy they can bring, but to hear the stories of these brilliant creatures and better understand the work that they do is really eye-opening. It is a pleasure to bring together this exhibit for public viewing, and I encourage everyone to go and see it firsthand.”
Thunder, a Husky who works as a support animal in a palliative care setting and is often referred to as ‘The Wonder Dog’, is one of those featured in the exhibition. His handler, Adrian, explains: “It was on one visit where Thunder went to see a dear old gentleman who was ‘end of life,’ and something strange happened. We witnessed something that made us all realise Thunder is a little bit more special than we ever thought.
He climbed on the bed and lay alongside the gentleman, and you could visibly see Thunder take a deep breath. Then he started slowing his breathing down, matching the man’s. He put his paw on the man’s hand, and I took a picture—not knowing what was about to happen. He then put his head on the man’s chest, staring at his face. He was so calm, and it seemed as though time had stood still.”
The man, who had been semi-conscious all morning, had his eyes shut and his breathing was quite laboured. Thunder slowed his breathing further still, almost rocking the man with his warm, fluffy body. Without warning, the man opened his eyes and stared into Thunder’s soulful gaze. He opened his mouth slightly and spoke: “There’s an angel,” he said—and then passed away.
Thunder has worked with countless terminally ill people, has been present for nine at the end of their lives, and currently supports four individuals he visits monthly or weekly.
Adrian, a self-proclaimed ‘6’3″ Barnsley lad well into his 50s,’ further comments: “Working alongside Thunder has brought me to tears many times, and I know I am a better person for it.”
Lily Waterton, Senior Programming Executive at Saatchi Gallery, shares: “We are delighted to bring this exhibition to life at the Gallery. It is a natural fit for us, given that an unofficial member of the team at the Gallery is Gemma, a retired service dog owned by the Gallery Director. We can’t wait to see the portraits hung in Gallery 4 and to share the stories of the pawticipants with our audiences.”
Support The Caring Family Foundation campaign here
