“I’d seen people locally with guide dog puppies,” says Lyon, “and thought, ‘That’s a good way to go.When asked about his treat from Guardian angel, Lyon is resolute: the only thing he wants are some fresh toys for his current charge, Danny, a 13-month-old labrador-retriever cross.

As a dog lover it means so much to me that these amazing animals can do extraordinary things (Picture: Alexandra Burke)This campaign is also very close to my heart because as well as the diabetes connection, I have also lost people in my life to cancer.

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.”.

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.