Manchester City’s matchday programme for their home game against Wolves on Saturday paid tribute to a true-blue canine hero.
Epilepsy seizure alert dog Simba, trained by the national Support Dogs charity, was City’s only canine season ticket holder, and alongside his owner, Lynn Ratcliffe, witnessed the club lift 18 trophies.
The yellow Lab had a life-saving role, giving Lynn a 24-minute warning before every seizure, enabling her to live independently and continue attending her beloved City games both home and away.
Sadly, the heroic pooch died at the age of 12 on December 22.
The Blues are featured a tribute in the programme, entitled “Remembering Simba – A True-Blue Hero”. The tribute describes Simba as one of its “most loyal and remarkable supporters” who passed away “after a lifetime of devotion, courage, and service”.
It adds: “Simba wasn’t just a companion – he was a lifesaver. For nine incredible years, he worked tirelessly by Lynn’s side, giving her the freedom to experience life to the fullest.
“And what nine years they were. Together, Lynn and Simba witnessed City lift 18 trophies – including the domestic quadruple, the historic Treble, and the unforgettable 100-point season. He travelled the country and helped Lynn be part of some of the most iconic moments in the Club’s history.”
Lynn, of Cheadle, said: “I think it’s a lovely gesture. They also did it for my previous seizure alert dog, Dougal.” The 66-year-old added: “I adored him. He was absolutely excellent at his job. He could be doing anything, or be up to all sorts of mischief, yet he would switch on to alert me to an oncoming seizure.”
Simba retired from his working life in July 2024 and continued to live with Lynn as a beloved pet. Luckily, there was no gap in between her life-saving care, as Support Dogs provided her with her third dog, Barnby, and both dogs lived alongside each other as the best of canine pals.
“They could both be asleep and both jump off the chair at the same time to alert me to a smaller seizure,” said Lynn. “Simba was absolutely amazing – I absolutely adored that dog. I’m heartbroken. Barnby is missing him too. I’ve lost something that was really important to me.”
Lynn plans to scatter Simba’s ashes in his favourite places, including her garden and Abney Hall Park.
The club has kindly donated a signed Bernardo Silva shirt which Lynn will raffle at her Cheadle-based Manchester City supporters’ club.
To find out more about the incredible work of Support Dogs, which also trains and provides specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children and adults with a physical disability, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
