There were two special visitors at a recent match in Zeus and Barnby, assistance dogs in training.
Zeus, a red fox Labrador, is expected work with a young autistic child who has a love of football. Barnby, who is a yellow Labrador, will be a seizure alert dog for a person with epilepsy. That person’s retiring dog indicates a seizure 22 minutes before it happens and it is hoped Barnby will match this.
The dogs were at the match as guests along with Emily High and Becky Cochrane – who are trainers at the Sheffield-based charity Support Dogs – and volunteer John Wilson. As part of their socialisation, the dogs were at pitch-side and visited the lounges, boardroom and Club Superstore.
The club is always keen to assist with anything that helps accessibility. Any person or organisation requiring such help should contact the disability liaison officer, Peter Whiteley: peterwhiteley@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.
