Spey Bay boy sets up virtual dog show to raise autism awareness and boost MFR Cash for Kids
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A LOCAL eight-year-old animal lover has shown dogged determination in his efforts to boost MFR Cash for Kids.
Autistic Baxter Bremner, from Spey Bay, has organised a virtual dog show to raise cash for the charity, as well as to heighten awareness of autism and how animals can help autistic people.
His online Muddy Paws Dog Show will run between June 17-30, organised by Baxter and mum Jo Bremner (41), a self-employed vegan baker, as a way to say thanks for an MFR Cash for Kids grant he received last year for sensory equipment.
Baxter has a close bond with Pepper, his public access assistance dog. He said: "Pepper is being specially trained by mum and me through PAWtected, an organisation which helps us train our own dog to become an assistance dog.
"She makes it possible for me to go out and about, she helps me calm down and focus when I get anxious, and she is learning more ways to help me every day.
"Animals can understand when you need help and when you don't. They are very clever. Touching or stroking them relaxes and calms you, they don't talk back but they do listen.
"Pepper, a Labrador Retriever, is 22 months old, Skittles our cat, I think is five, and I love horses but don't have one of those – yet."
Baxter, who is mainly home educated but attends Mosstodloch Primary School for short supported sessions, hopes to run future fundraiser shows featuring horses and cats.
He has been enjoying entering virtual dog shows with Pepper.
His mum said: "Along with ASD, Baxter has a lot of sensory processing difficulties, so noise, busy environments, unpredictable events, people or touching are all too overwhelming for him and cause him a lot of anxiety, which ultimately ends in a very emotional or aggressive meltdown.
"Doing online dog shows is much more relaxing, fun and accessible for him."
Baxter has designed certificates for the winner and runner-up, who will be announced in the first week of July. His big sister, Emily (13), has designed the event poster.
Local photographer Jo Miller is supporting the effort with a pledge to donate a photograph for every class winner, within a 20-mile radius of Fochabers.
The contest includes 10 classes: waggliest tail, best trick, tongues out, most beautiful eyes, gorgeous girl, beautiful boy, best friends, best smile, junior handler and fancy dress.
People are invited to submit one photo or video per email to muddypawsdogshow@outlook.com, including the class title and dog/handler details. Entry costs £1 per class.
Jo added: "Raising awareness of autism is essential because people need to know that there are disabilities which are invisible and that these challenge the lives of the individual and those around them every day.
"The world needs to learn to adapt in order to welcome them and make them feel safe and to do this they first need to understand.
"I love the quote: 'I am beautiful, not broken. Different, not less. Challenged, not challenging. Overwhelmed, not spoiled. Autism is not a choice. However, acceptance is'."
Lyndsay Rose, MFR Cash for Kids charity manager, said: "It’s so lovely when children fundraise for us and it’s so important for them to know that the money will go towards giving children in their community a brighter future.
"We’re delighted to have Baxter as one of our Charity Champions and we can’t see wait to see all the entries to his virtual dog show."
Follow Muddy Paws Dog Show on Facebook here.
Baxter's MFR Cash for Kids page can be found here.
