Bred in the vicinity of Hailes Castle in East Lothian by William Riddell, in 1880 Help was donated to John Climpson.

He did not provide Help with any special training, the dog simply being fitted with a wooden collecting box on his back, and a silver collar and medal.

The medal was inscribed: "I am Help, the railway dog of England, and travelling agent for the orphans of railwaymen who are killed on duty.

My office is at 306, City Road [later 55, Colebrooke Row], London, where subscriptions will be thankfully received and duly acknowledged".

[2] Help was awarded a silver medal at the Bristol Dog Show of 1884, was the subject of numerous paintings and sketches, and appeared on a commemorative badge.