A Sheffield man medics said might not survive after falling dangerously ill on holiday has made a remarkable recovery – with the help of an unexpected friend.
Peter Dyson, 71, and his wife Janet, 65, contacted Support Dogs in early 2022 about fostering dogs. The organisation trains and provides assistance dogs to help autistic children as well as adults with epilepsy or a physical disability to live safer, and independent lives.
The couple from from Crosspool have had dogs all their lives, but swore off having another pet after their cross-breed Bruno was euthanised. But after looking after their first dog for Support Dogs – an adorable yellow Labrador called Dug who went on to becoming an autism assistance support dog – they felt they were still in a position to help others.
They soon agreed to also look after eight-week-old Red Fox Labrador, Frank. But just a few months later, when Frank was just four months old, retired bank manager Peter suddenly became ill on holiday, in the Dominican Republic.
He was later diagnosed with three bacterial infections, as well as sepsis and pneumonia, and medics warned Janet her husband might not survive. When he returned to the UK, he was in an induced coma in Sheffield’s Northern Hospital for 12 days.
“It sort of helped that I had to do things – I had to concentrate on him as well,” said the mum-of-two and grandmother-of-three. “And when Peter came out of hospital, although he was frail and poorly and couldn’t do anything with the dog, Frank loved him.”
Janet with a grown up Frank
Just a few months later and Peter was diagnosed with cancer. Frank left the Dysons’ care in August last year, just before Peter beegan four weeks of radiotherapy.
In December 2023, they agreed to provide emergency holiday cover for a loveable Labrador/Retriever cross called Kelly while also taking on the care of trainee support dog Adam, who was sourced from a rescue centre. Kelly left the Dysons in May, while they continue to nurture Adam, with help from Support Dogs.
Finally the couple were given the good news that Peter was given the all-clear from cancer in September and were able to recover enough to accept being named as Foster Carers of the Year by the Sheffield-based Support Dogs at the charity’s Graduation and Awards ceremony held at the Quays Hotel.
Janet, a former University of Sheffield library worker, said: “Despite what we were going through, you have got to get on with your day, and each dog has been so lovely. They are part of the family.”
“People say ‘I couldn’t give them up’. But when you get the dog, you know it’s not your dog and you still love them just the same, and you know they’re going to do such a lovely thing.”
Anyone looking for a new challenge in 2025 and wanting to find out more about volunteering with Support Dogs can visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
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