Help (dog) facts for kids
Help, drawn in 1889 by Wilson Hepple
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| Breed | Scotch collie |
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| Born | 1878 Near Hailes Castle in East Lothian |
| Died | 1891 (aged 12–13) |
| Resting place | Brighton railway station |
| Employer | Orphans Fund of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants (ASRS) |
| Years active | 1880-1890 |
| Known for | Railway collecting dog |
| Owner | John Climpson |
| Awards | Bristol Dog Show 1884, silver medal |
Help (born 1878, died December 1891) was a special Scotch collie dog. He became famous for helping to collect money for a good cause.
Help's Early Life and Important Job
Help was born in 1878 near Hailes Castle in East Lothian, Scotland. In 1880, he was given to a man named John Climpson. John was a train guard for the night boat train to Newhaven.
John had a great idea. He wanted to use a dog to collect donations for a charity. This charity was called the Orphans Fund of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants (ASRS). This fund helped children whose railway worker parents had died while on duty.
Help didn't need any special training. He simply wore a small wooden box on his back. He also had a silver collar and a medal. The medal had a message: "I am Help, the railway dog of England, and travelling agent for the orphans of railwaymen who are killed on duty." It also gave an address where people could send more donations.
Help's Travels and Fame
Help often traveled with John Climpson on his train routes. But he was also lent to other train guards. This allowed him to collect money on many different railway lines.
It was said that Help traveled on every railway line in Britain. He visited all the major towns. He even traveled to France twice! During his time working, Help helped raise more than £1,000. This was a lot of money back then. He also attended many meetings for the ASRS charity.
Help received a silver medal at the Bristol Dog Show in 1884. He was so well-known that many artists drew pictures of him. He even appeared on a special badge.
Retirement and Legacy
Help retired from his important job in 1890. He settled down in Newhaven. He passed away in late 1891. A newspaper called the Railway Review wrote about him. They said he was "without doubt the best known dog in the United Kingdom."
After Help died, he was preserved and put on display. You can still see him at Brighton railway station.
Help inspired many other dogs to do similar work. These "railway collecting dogs" included Prince, Nell, Tim, and Basingstoke Jack. They continued Help's legacy of helping others.
See also
