Meet Miep: Seizure Alert Dog. Crufts Winner. Opera Performer

An extraordinary Hungarian Pumi, who helps alert her owner Robert to potentially dangerous epileptic seizures, while also enjoying success in the show ring and performing in major opera productions alongside Robert, has been named a finalist in the BBC Make a Difference Awards animal category. 

Royal Kennel Club registered Miep (PUMIDEN MIEP GIES FOR WIDOWMAKER), aged 4, owned by Robert Stuhldreer, 65, from Islington, was nominated by Robert’s partner thanks to the dog’s incredible impact on Robert’s life. The retired NHS Senior Counsellor, who now trains dogs for film, television and opera productions, receives no warning before an epileptic seizure strikes and, after years of unpredictable episodes, was left vulnerable to serious injury. A broken nose, a broken cheek and a growing fear of going out alone left Robert's world increasingly restricted. 

"My life became much more limited," said Robert. "The medication wasn't working as well as I'd hoped, my partner was constantly worried about me going out, and I had to stop showing my dogs as much because I was worried about having a seizure in the ring." 

One of the lowest points came when Robert suffered a seizure in public and woke up to discover his wallet had been stolen while he was unconscious. 

"It really brought home how vulnerable I could be," he said. "When you have no warning that a seizure is coming, situations like that can happen." 

Having owned Akitas and Border Collies for many years, Robert decided around a decade ago to try a Pumi, a lesser-known Hungarian herding breed renowned for its intelligence, desire to work, endearing appearance and lively temperament. The breed had just 16 litters registered by the Royal Kennel Club in 2025. 

What he didn't expect was that one of them would transform his life. 

"People doubted whether a show dog Pumi could be trained as a seizure alert dog," he said. "I remember thinking, 'Watch me.'" 

With Robert’s training, Miep developed a series of increasingly clear warning signals. 

"If I'm lying down, she'll press her nose against my head," said Robert. "If we're out walking, she'll stop dead. If I ignore her, she'll move in front of me and stare at me. At home, she'll look me in the eye and, as a last resort, she'll bark." 

The warnings allow Robert to take precautions and get somewhere safe, usually lying down, before a seizure occurs. 

The consistency of Miep's ability to alert Robert before a seizure has had a life-changing impact. Today, Robert has gone almost six months without a seizure, the longest period he has managed in recent years. 

"Part of that comes from the confidence Miep gives me," he said. "Having someone constantly looking out for me changes how I can go about life. It gives me confidence and it gives my partner confidence that I can go out and come back unscathed, which is huge for our general wellbeing." 

As effective as Miep's support is, it extends beyond seizure alerts. 

"She lifts my spirits whenever I have to go to hospital and she's fantastic with people," said Robert. "She always improves the mood of the room she is in." 

Remarkably, away from her assistance work, Miep has built an impressive career in the show ring and is believed to be the only Pumi working as a seizure alert dog in the UK. 

Her achievements include winning the Kennel Club Good Citizen Class at Crufts, securing Best of Breed at the Bournemouth Championship Dog Show and competing successfully at championship shows across the country. 

"She absolutely loves showing," he said. "She can't wait to get into the ring and will jump straight onto the table to get the judge's attention." 

As if being a seizure alert dog and successful show dog wasn't enough, Miep has also enjoyed a career on stage. 

Trained by Robert, she has performed alongside him in front of live audiences in major opera productions, including two five-month tours of La Bohème. She has appeared with Opera International and at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kyiv. 

For Robert, it is the combination of roles that makes Miep truly unique. 

"It's amazing that I get all of this in one dog," he said. "She's a performer, a companion and a lifesaver all rolled into one." 

Most assistance dogs are not also Crufts winners and opera performers, but Miep has excelled in all three worlds. 

For Robert, reaching the final stage of the BBC Make a Difference Awards is about far more than personal recognition. 

"It would be amazing if she won, but just getting this far is incredible," he said. 

"It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight a wonderful lesser-known breed and show what they're capable of, but more importantly it highlights the amazing work assistance dogs do. 

"Show dogs can become assistance dogs and assistance dogs can become show dogs. Every dog is an individual." 

Robert hopes Miep's story will encourage greater understanding of assistance dogs in public spaces. 

"People don't always stop and think before challenging somebody with an assistance dog," he said. "I hope Miep's story helps raise awareness and makes life a little easier for people who rely on assistance dogs every day."  

Asked what he would say to Miep if given the chance, Robert's answer is simple: 

"Thank you for always being there, for your devotion, and for being so determined and dogged." 

Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club, said: "It's heartwarming to see such an extraordinary bond between a dog and its owner that goes far beyond companionship. 

"Miep's recognition in the BBC Make a Difference Awards is a testament to her training, the intelligence of the Hungarian Pumi breed, and the incredible contribution assistance dogs make every day to improving people's lives. 

"Not only has Miep transformed Robert's quality of life, but she has also enjoyed success in the show ring and performed in opera productions across Europe. She is a truly deserving finalist, and we wish her and Robert the very best for the awards ceremony."