Support Dogs Pup India's Job Will Be to Help Others - Just Like Policeman Namesake

Ever think about what’s in a name? Sometimes, it’s more than just a word; it’s a whole story. This is definitely the case for a little Red Fox Labrador puppy named India. She’s not just any pup. She’s training to become a lifeline for someone, and her name is a powerful and emotional tribute from a son to his late father. A Sheffield businessman, Tony Dent, found the perfect way to honour his dad, a dedicated former police officer, by connecting his past with a puppy's future. It’s a story about memory, kindness, and how the drive to help others can be passed down in the most amazing ways. The charity at the centre of this, Support Dogs, is all about training incredible assistance dogs to help people with conditions like autism and epilepsy, and India is their newest recruit with a very special legacy to carry.

A very special name for a very special pup

So, why India? It’s a beautiful name, but the reason behind it is what makes this story truly special. Tony’s father, Craig Dent, was a police officer with the South Yorkshire police force for an incredible 37 years. He joined when he was just 20 and rose through the ranks to become an Inspector before retiring. In the police world, officers often have a unique call sign, a bit like a nickname used on the radio to identify them. It’s their professional handle. Craig’s call sign, his unique police identifier, was “India 57”. When Tony Dent had the chance to name a puppy for the Support Dogs charity, that name felt just right. It was a perfect tribute to his late father, who passed away in 2023.

Meeting the pup for the first time was a deeply emotional moment for Tony and his wife, Katey. The act of naming the pup India was about creating a lasting legacy. Tony explained just how much it meant: “It makes me quite emotional. My dad’s ethos was about always being kind and to do whatever he could to help people. Knowing India is going to train to help someone and be their lifeline is just fantastic.” It connects his father’s life of service with the future work of this amazing dog. The spirit of Craig Dent, a man who dedicated his life to helping his community, will live on through a support dog destined to do the same.

More than just a name

This heartwarming gesture of naming a pup is part of a much bigger story of support. Tony Dent and his business, B&B Vehicle Contracts, have been champions for the charity Support Dogs for years. You know how some people say they’ll help and some people really, really help? Tony and his business partner Steve Barker are definitely the latter. Over the past seven years, their fundraising efforts have been incredible, raising more than £15,000 for the charity. They've run a virtual Marathon, tackled the Great North Run, and supported countless other events. Tony even said, “I developed a real hunger to do more for Support Dogs.”

And their support doesn’t stop at fundraising. They also provide the charity’s entire fleet of branded vehicles. Think about that for a second. These vehicles are essential for transporting the dogs and staff all around South Yorkshire and beyond for training and home visits. Without them, the charity’s work would be so much harder. These assistance dogs are trained to support people with a range of challenging conditions. For someone with epilepsy, a dog might be able to give a warning before a seizure happens. For a child with autism, a dog can be a calming friend when the world feels overwhelming. This is life-changing help, and it’s all made possible by the dedication of the charity and the generosity of its supporters and other businesses.

An emotional first meeting

Tony and Katey visited the Support Dogs training centre on 11 March 2026 to meet little India for the first time. After hearing all about her, finally meeting the beautiful, six-month-old pup was a huge deal. Tony said, “It feel amazing to have met India and to have been able to name her. I’ve been really looking forward to it, having heard so much about her. She’s absolutely beautiful.”

The tribute was made even more perfect by the fact that his father, Craig Dent, was a huge dog lover. Tony’s wife, Katey, added, “It’s a really special gesture, because Tony’s father loved dogs – we took on the care of his black Labrador, Isla. He was a massive dog person.” Knowing that Craig himself adored dogs makes the naming of India in his honour feel even more fitting. It's a tribute that truly reflects the man he was. Now, they are both excited to follow India’s progress. As Katey put it, “she’s a cracker.”

The ripple effect of kindness

What Tony and B&B Vehicle Contracts do is a brilliant example of how local businesses can make a massive difference. It's not just about writing a cheque; it's about getting involved and showing genuine passion for a cause. Danny Anderson, the head of fundraising at Support Dogs, made it clear just how important this kind of relationship is. He said, “We can’t thank Tony and the team at B&B Vehicle Contracts enough for their ongoing-support – our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of businesses like this.”

He pointed out that they’ve gone "above and beyond" the usual support. “Not only do they help to keep our charity on the road, as we transport our dogs and staff around South Yorkshire and further afield, they have gone above and beyond, immersing themselves in fundraising and now naming one of our pups. We know India is going to do them proud.” It's this deep level of commitment that helps a charity thrive. And it’s a reminder of the incredible dedication of volunteers and staff who pour their time and energy into training these special dogs. It’s humbling to see how one person’s desire to create a tribute can inspire so much good, ensuring a legacy of kindness continues for years to come.