Volunteers wanted to take Little Ern for a walk

Sep 30 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Fire service searching for volunteers to take lifesaving dog Little Ern for a walk

LOVEABLE Little Ern needs your help to continue his lifesaving work.

The cross terrier has been trained to react to the sound of a fire alarm to protect his disabled owner Betty Williams, 77.

Betty, from Eastham, had her legs amputated in Arrowe Park hospital after suffering from leg ulcers and contracting MRSA in 2003 and is unable to take her much-loved pet for a walk.

The former rescue dog is dependent on a team of volunteers who take him out every day.

But two longstanding dog walkers are now no longer able to help out, leaving three days a week when there is no-one to take him for a walk.

Little Ern was placed with Betty in 2006 by the Fire Support Network (FSN), a charity that supports the work of Merseyside Fire Service.

Long-standing volunteer Stuart Jones said: “Ern is a lovely little dog and he is very obedient.

“He is very good to walk and it gets me out of the house and gives me exercise too.”

In the event of fire, Little Ern will shut Betty and himself in a room.