Just three years ago, a Sheffield girl's education was in crisis, with her missing half of her junior school years. Today, thanks to a specially trained black Labrador, she is not only attending school full-time but has been honoured with a national award for her partnership with her life-changing canine companion.
A Bond That Changed Everything
Scarlette Hudson, who turns twelve this month, was matched with autism assistance dog Ivanhoe by the Sheffield-based charity Support Dogs. The charity trains and provides specialist dogs for autistic children, as well as for adults with epilepsy or physical disabilities. Before Ivanhoe, Scarlette struggled to leave the house and engage with the world. Since being paired with the handsome black Lab, she has been attending a full-time specialist secondary provision since September and is thriving.
Ivanhoe's impact goes far beyond his formal training. He is credited with revolutionising Scarlette's life by helping her regulate her emotions. He intuitively pre-empts potential meltdowns by licking her face to make her laugh, demonstrating a connection that transcends his training. Her mother, Vicki Whitbread, 32, from Hackenthorpe, highlights a profound example: during a hospital appointment with a wait of over two hours, Ivanhoe immediately sensed Scarlette was not okay and signalled she needed to go home, without waiting for a cue.
National Recognition for an Extraordinary Partnership
The incredible hard work of Scarlette, her mother, and Ivanhoe was celebrated at the Support Dogs annual Graduation and Awards ceremony, held at the Sandman Signature Sheffield Quays Hotel. The trio was crowned Client Partnership of the Year. The award recognises their dedication to working intensively with Ivanhoe, prioritising his health and welfare, and collaborating effectively with the charity's training team.
Vicki, a psychology student at Sheffield Hallam University, expressed her pride. "Having Ivanhoe has become the norm, but it was quite refreshing to be recognised for his ongoing support," she said. "Their bond has never broken, but it’s been rekindled by this award and they have become even more close." She reflected on the dramatic transformation, noting family activities like weekends away and trick-or-treating, which were previously impossible.
A Journey of Empowerment, Not a Cure
Vicki Whitbread is clear about Ivanhoe's role. "Our boy really has changed her life – she’s so much more positive, so much more sociable and so much more accepting of things," she stated. "It’s still a journey in progress – Ivanhoe will never cure her autism. He just makes it so she can manage situations better."
Rebecca Cochran, a Support Dogs instructor who oversaw their initial training, added: "It’s lovely to see Ivanhoe come so far and to see the really positive impact he has had on Scarlette." The charity, which receives no Government funding and relies solely on voluntary donations, continues its vital work creating life-changing partnerships. To learn more or support their mission, visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
