This year, through two sponsored walks, we will raise vital funds for Medical Detection Dogs (MDD), a charity organisation that helps trains dogs to sniff out serious diseases such as cancer , Type 1 diabetes , Parkinson’s and coronavirus.

Around the world, dogs like Shugga are training to detect diseases ranging from Parkinson’s disease and cancer to malaria, according to Maria Goodavage, author of “Doctor Dogs: How Our Best Friends Are Becoming Our Best Medicine.”.

Yes, all our dreams have come true – the Brexit march has been taken over by a pack of incredibly cute and fluffy dogs. (Picture: Richard Hartley-Parkinson). (Picture: Richard Hartley-Parkinson). (Picture: LNP). (Picture: AP) (Picture: AP) (Picture: AP) (Picture: AP)

Miles arrived in my flat and bolted under the desk and didn’t come out for days. He likes petting, which has no practical purpose except his own comfort and pleasure. Cats are said to gravitate towards dying patients in care homes, to comfort them in their final hours.

According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, the cause of freezing is unknown, but stressful situations may trigger episodes. The experience taught Sierra that she was able to break out of “freezing” episodes by use of an alternative movement—petting the cat had unlocked the brain "freeze." “Now, when my hand "sticks" to an armrest, I free it by clapping my hands.