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

Sep 30 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

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.

He has also been trained to put a cloth against the bottom of the door, press an emergency button to alert Wirral Partnership Homes, and bark when the fire service arrives.

Dog-walking volunteers must be reliable and trustworthy and will be trained by Merseyside Fire Service on the commands that must be used with Little Ern.

All will be subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and expenses will be covered by the FSN.

Project Delivery Officer Isabelle Walker said: “Volunteers are crucial in our quest to maintain Betty and Little Ern’s health and welfare.

“Betty is unfortunately not able to walk Ern herself and we therefore rely wholeheartedly on the support and commitment of our volunteer walkers to make sure Ern gets plenty of fresh air and exercise.”

If you can help Little Ern and Betty, contact Isabelle Walker of on 07837 113 330 or email isabellewalker@merseyfire.gov.uk.