A WOMAN from Carlisle has launched a fundraiser to help her new 12-week-old puppy become a 'therapy dog'.

Ailsa Taylor adopted Angus, the silver labrador, just one week ago but she is keen for him to follow in her previous dog Theo's footsteps, and help out children across Cumbria. 

Ailsa works for the National Youth Advocacy Service, a charity which offers socio-legal advocacy services to children and young people up to the age of 25, and she is passionate about helping young people in Cumbria. 

If she is able to raise £1,998, it will pay for Angus to receive the necessary training and subsequent qualifications needed to become a therapy dog. 

Ailsa said: "My previous dog Theo was such an amazing dog and would accompany me on my shifts as a residential care worker with teens in crisis placements and, although not officially trained, he knew instinctively how to calm and regulate these amazing young people.

"Sadly I lost Theo just before Christmas, him having served well for nearly 12 years. I would love to train our new puppy Angus to follow in his footsteps but to be certified to be able to go into many different settings to give children and young people the love and hope they deserve.

"Once certified, he could also go into schools and help support children to read and engage with sessions."

Should Ailsa reach her fundraising target, with the current GoFundMe standing at just £75, Angus would undergo an intense programme at PAWS Therapy & Assistance Dog Training. 

You can donate here.