Chilli's homecoming

While many of the dogs Battersea cares for go on to become much-loved pets, the charity also works with organisations across the UK to identify dogs whose individual traits could make them suited to specialist working roles. Chilli is one such dog and they contacted MDD to say that he was very good at using his nose and they felt our work might suit him.
On the day, Chilli demonstrated the remarkable skills he has developed since beginning training with Medical Detection Dogs, such as searching for tiny traces of his training odour and indicating when he does with a firm 'sit.'

Libby Cannon, an Operations Project Officer at Battersea who fostered Chilli, said: "It was so special to have Chilli visit Battersea for the day and to see his training in action. At just eight weeks old, he was an inquisitive and confident puppy who liked to spend time with his nose to the ground, sniffing out new things.  He was also very relaxed, which made him a strong candidate to become a specialist working dog. It's amazing to see how far he's come."

During his Battersea visit, Chilli took part in a scent box activity, quickly identifying a hidden fragment of tennis ball from among four identical boxes. Reggie, however, took a more relaxed approach, preferring socialising and searching for snacks instead.

Chilli’s training currently focuses on detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium responsible for the most common chronic lung infections experienced by people with cystic fibrosis.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which works closely with Medical Detection Dogs, said dogs like Chilli could play an important role in improving early detection of infections.

Paula Sommer, Head of Research Awards and Partnerships at the the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “We know that many people with cystic fibrosis live with long term lung infections, for example those caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We desperately need better, more effective ways to detect them, and medical detection dogs like Chilli are an exciting area of investigation. We want to find out if people with cystic fibrosis could ultimately monitor their lung infections from home by sending in samples for the dogs to check”

Stories like Chilli’s are made possible through the support of players of Postcode Lottery, who support both Medical Detection Dogs and Battersea.

Peter Laurie, Chief Executive of Battersea, said: “At a time when charities are facing sustained pressure, the generous support of players of Postcode Lottery means that we can change the lives of thousands of dogs and cats every year. Chilli’s story is a powerful example of how that support creates real, far-reaching impact - giving animals in our care the chance not only to thrive, but to go on and make a difference in the world in unexpected ways”.

Claire Dowse, Chilli's Trainer at Medical Detection Dogs, said: "Chilli's training is going really well. He's a clever, confident boy who loves to use his nose in exchange for rewards and praise. He has been learning to detect his training odour in different equipment and picks everything up very quickly. We're so grateful to Battersea for contacting us about him."