Marvellous Mandy: A True Superdog 

Support Dogs make a real difference 

Eight-year-old Alessa Thompson is an energetic and spirited little girl, but her autism presents challenges for her family. One of the biggest concerns was Alessa’s tendency to ‘bolt’ – a common issue for autistic children. This often led to stressful and dangerous situations, culminating in a frightening incident where Alessa was nearly hit by a car. 

Enter Mandy, a remarkable Labrador/Golden Retriever cross-trained by Support Dogs. Since bounding into their lives, Mandy has become Alessa’s constant companion and a proper lifeline for the family. 

A calming influence 

Mandy’s presence has had a profound impact on Alessa’s behaviour. Her once-frequent meltdowns have significantly reduced, and Alessa’s tendency to bolt has virtually disappeared. Mandy’s ability to sense Alessa’s emotions and provide comfort is nothing short of extraordinary. 

“Mandy is Alessa’s rock,” says Donna, Alessa’s mum. “When Alessa is upset, Mandy just needs to go and sit with her, and she will calm down.” 

A family transformed 

The positive impact of Mandy extends beyond Alessa. The whole family has benefited from her presence. They can now enjoy outings and activities without the constant worry of Alessa running off. 

Donna is full of praise for Support Dogs: “They change people’s lives. They change children’s lives for the better. They are making a difference, and it’s just fantastic.” 

Mandy’s story is a testament to the incredible work of Support Dogs and the life-changing impact assistance dogs can have on individuals and families. To find out more about the charity, please visit the charity’s website:

Mandy’s training was made possible thanks to an £85,000 grant from the Foundation, with the funds coming from our generous supporters.  

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