Ali Bailey is a puppy parent and works part-time for Canine Partners looking after their schools programme. This is her story:

Many years ago I had a car accident and since that time have struggled with chronic neck and head pain which, two to three times a week, would get so bad that I was unable to do anything but lie on the sofa. I would feel muddled up and get my words wrong, sometimes unable to say very much at all.  Despite this, I signed up at the local college to do a secretary course involving computers as I had always intended to go back to work once the children were in school.  The course was two days a week and after each day I suffered for the whole night and next day with pain and headaches like you wouldn’t believe.

Meanwhile I was back and forth to my doctor trying to sort out my problems but I imagined my neck could be fixed and I could go back to having an active life again.  I had an MRI scan and x-rays and then I saw the consultant.  He explained that there was nothing he could do – and quite frankly after hearing those words I heard nothing else he said.  All that was going round in my mind was – he can’t fix it, he can’t fix it, what am I going to do.  I decided to do bank secretarial work at the hospital and started work.  Very quickly it became apparent that I would suffer from debilitating head and neck pain due to the job but I had to just carry on collecting the children from school, coming home, getting some tea sorted and then lying down.  I still feel so sad that the children suffered because most of the time I couldn’t do anything except lie on the sofa.

I just couldn’t go on, so I handed in my resignation.  I gave up gardening, walking in high heel shoes, looking upwards, doing most exercise, anything which would aggravate the pain.  I even had to do the food shop with a small trolley doing a little bit at a time, as trying to push a heavier load would set off the pain, which would then last for at least a day.  I stopped arranging to see people because often my head and neck would be bad and then I would have to cancel plans, and I couldn’t bear letting people down.  The years went by and things didn’t get any better.

My daughter by now was off to University and this was a really difficult time.  She had been so good at helping out when I was ill.  The saddest thing was that I had always dreamt that when my children went to Uni I would be back at work earning money to help support them as they studied.  Again I felt completely useless as I couldn’t go to work and earn money to help out.

My lowest time was when I was driving along a country lane near where I lived and actually thought of not turning to go round the bend in the road but putting my foot down and driving straight into the trees.  I thought that there was no point going on and that both the children and my husband would have a better life without me.  Luckily I didn’t – I went home and carried on.  A very close friend and her husband came to see me, and she urged me to move surgeries and talk to a different doctor.

Eventually I was referred to the Southampton Chronic Pain Clinic. At the clinic, they explained that it wasn’t possible to cure me, but could help me manage my pain, which gave me hope.  Once I accepted that there was no fix it was easier to move on. I had acupuncture.  Over the months I began to look more positively at life, and look at what I could do rather than all the things I could no longer do.  Also I did a mindfulness course which helped me to cope with the pain.   I tried a self injecting painkiller to tackle the head pain and it was wonderful!  It was an amazing breakthrough – although I was not cured, and still suffered symptoms, I could start to manage the pain.

Over the next few months with the help of medication, support from friends and family and the local church, my life started to get better.  I felt more positive and tried to concentrate on the good days not the bad ones.

Another dear friend of mine is in a wheelchair and has a Canine Partners assistance dog, and she told me about puppy walking for them.  She thought I would be really good at it and suggested I apply to the local puppy training satellite.  I was sure they wouldn’t want me even as a volunteer due to the fact that at least twice a week I could hardly function and couldn’t string a sentence together!! Eventually the friend introduced me to the satellite manager and told her that I was interested.  A few weeks later the manager came and visited me and I told her about my illness and limitations, but she said I would still be able to train puppies for the Charity.  On the days when the pain was bad and I couldn’t do very much, it didn’t matter as at those times the puppy would learn to settle down.  So I started learning how to train the puppies, and a few months later my first puppy arrived!!  My family were very supportive and I felt as though the dog knew when I was not feeling good, and I managed – the feeling I got fantastic!  I felt worthwhile again.

After a couple of years I started doing some fundraising for the Charity with another volunteer and help from other puppy parents. We set ourselves a target of £10,000 for our first year, but that year we exceeded that target and made £16,000 for Canine Partners!   We then set ourselves a £20,000 fundraising target for last year, and raised £40,000, so have now set a target to raise £50,000.

Finally the best news ever came when I was offered a contract of a few hours paid work per week with Canine Partners; they know all about my illness and still want me to work for them!!  I hope to do them proud.   Just to push my boundaries even more I attempted to climb Ben Nevis in 2010 to raise money for the Charity!!  I did not reach the top but with the support of my dear friend Lesley, also a puppy parent and her daughter, we worked hard at getting ready and I know I did the very best I could have done getting three quarters of the way up.

Also I visit schools to talk about what it can mean for a person with disabilities to have one of our dogs and how they can help.  When I am walking down the street with my pup in training I feel very proud of the job I do and even better is when I hear a young person saying to their parents, “look that is a Canine Partner, I know because he is wearing a purple jacket, don’t distract it because it’s training” -job done!

I still have bad days each week and they are the pits, when I they get really bad I think I can’t take another day.  But on the days that are good, I get on with life, work and fundraising, thanking God that I have a life to live!  I don’t know how I will be in the future but I am glad being who I am now!

www.caninepartners.org.uk 08456 580480

Related posts:

1. Canine Partners Needs You!
2. Flossie and the Dogs Pad
3. Calling the Pain Experts. You!

Lorna Marsh has lived with her Canine Partner, Eli, since December 2008.

I knew that having a Canine Partner would help my independence but I truly didn’t realize by quite how much. Every time Eli does something for me I feel like it’s me doing it for myself. I’m not so dependent on people anymore, and that is just the best feeling.

To give you a true picture of everything he does I’ll go through my day.

In the morning he wakes up my PA and then goes to get his collar, has his breakfast, puts his own bowl in the sink, goes to get his coat, opens and closes the bin for me after breakfast, gets my mobile off the side unit and helps me put it on my lap. He can also open drawers for me to get things out.

Eli gets the car keys, opens and closes the back door (after going to the loo) and helps me take my coat off when I get to work, where he gives the post to a colleague of mine and opens the electric door. If I’m ever needing to knock on someone’s door and there’s a step up to it – so not possible – he barks so everyone knows I’m there.

After work it’s playtime; he bounces on command before I throw a tennis ball, then goes back and rolls over of his own accord. When I’m throwing the ball for him, he puts it on my lap so I can get hold of it myself – which sometimes takes a while. He is the most patient dog I know.

In the evening I often have a couple of hours on my own while my PAs are on a break. This is when Eli truly comes into his own. He does not leave my side; the moment I drop anything he is right there. If the landline rings he gets it with no command, so if I don’t want to talk to anyone, it’s tough!

I like to sit watching TV with my wheelchair armrest up, but previously I had no way of getting them back down again. Now Eli can put the armrest down, I can truly relax. He passes me the TV remote and then takes my shoes and socks off – all I need him to do now is to learn to give me a massage and make me a cup of tea!

When it comes to bedtime he pulls the duvet over the top of me, gives me a hug and then goes to his own bed – I always look forward to the end of the day because of that! So, as you can see, he does an awful lot for me – and I haven’t included everything.

Eli is the tidiest dog I have ever met; not only does he pick up everything I drop, but also everything not in the right place. One day a pencil was lying on the floor; unasked, Eli picked it up, put it next to the phone and straightened it up with his nose!

He’s not always the good little boy I’m painting here, but this just makes me love him even more. I didn’t ask for a robot; I asked for a canine partner and, in my opinion, I got the best one. The icing on the cake is that he’s a really good friend as well.

I look forward to our adventures in the years to come. Even though the training was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, both mentally and physically, I have absolutely no regrets and would recommend Canine Partners to anybody. The rewards are massive.

As a registered charity Canine Partners receives no government funding and is wholly dependent on public donations and legacies. There are currently more than 140 partnerships across the UK. For further information on volunteering, fundraising or applying for a Canine Partner, please call 08456 580 480 or visit www.caninepartners.org.uk.

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2. Flossie Gets a New Home!
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Wendy graduated with canine partner Edward in May 2008. This is their story.

I was born with a rare skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa Recessive Dystrophic, which causes my skin to tear and blister at the slightest knock. My throat is also the size of a five pence piece and can close at any time, stopping me breathing. As my condition worsened I found it difficult to open doors, use the cash machine, dress, undress. My husband and I also used to take it in turns to sleep each night, in case I stopped breathing.

In 1993 my throat became so scarred and small that my husband Peter had to stop work to care for me. Internally things had begun to get very bad as well. I hated hospitals and dreaded every appointment, shutting my ears to what they would say and as a consequence my hands and throat became a nightmare to live with. The pressure on Peter was tremendous as he was constantly on call, and would care for me without a break.

Because of my skin condition Canine Partners felt it best I worked alongside one of their trainers with a puppy from the beginning. At nine weeks old golden retriever Edward (Teddy), who looked like a snowball on legs, came into my life. That very first night I had a sign language lesson at college and Teddy came with me. He settled really well in class and was the most popular thing there at the break – college was never to be the same! Since then he has continuously watched our hand signs and I am now able to use these with him if my throat is very bad.

I met with one of the Canine Partners trainers each week and Edward quickly learnt what was required of him, especially not to knock into me. The bond between us was very strong right from the beginning and it was a joy practising what we had learnt at our lessons for the rest of the week. When Edward was 18 months we attended a two-week residential training course with Canine Partners. Fortunately we passed and it was wonderful to take Teddy home as a fully fledged assistance dog.

At home Teddy helps me get out of bed, fetches my crutches and clothes, picks up anything I drop or need from the floor. He can open and close doors, load and unload the washing machine, get a warm towel off the radiator after a shower, find named items, get my shopping off the shelf and then hand the purse to the cashier. He can also get help for me, undress me, balance me when I walk and generally comes everywhere with me. What’s more in recognition of the help Edward gives me, we receive Direct Payments from the government towards his keep.

My husband is my carer, but now we have Edward it gives him valuable time off as I have got so much independence back. One night when Teddy was about 10 months old, my husband had fallen asleep and I stopped breathing – Edward immediately woke him up. Edward has proved to be so reliable at waking Peter that we can both go off to sleep knowing he will save my life.

Nothing can explain the feeling inside me now when I wake up and know the day is mine – there beside me is the most willing carer you could ever dream of, tail always wagging. What was once a dream for me has become a reality thanks to Edward, I never thought I could be this happy. We give talks and demonstrations together; we have been on television several times as well as in magazines, newspapers and on the radio. I have gone from being constantly afraid of what people think, to the outgoing and carefree person I am now thanks to Edward and Canine Partners.

I love Edward more than words can say, after all – I hold his lead and he holds my heart.

As a registered charity Canine Partners receives no government funding and is wholly dependent on public donations and legacies. There are currently more than 140 partnerships across the UK. For further information on volunteering, fundraising or applying for a Canine Partner, please call 08456 580 480 or visit www.caninepartners.org.uk.

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Glen Tallett, a profoundly deaf man with cerebral palsy, is the first recipient of an assistance dog jointly trained by Canine Partners and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Deaf since birth, Glen’s cerebral palsy means he has poor co-ordination, muscle weakness and – in his own words – “annoying involuntary movements”. He relies on a wheelchair to get around, and also finds it impossible to articulate speech.

Undeterred, Glen’s main ambition in adult life has been to live independently. In March  1999 that became a reality when hearing dog Milly was placed with him; she allowed him to live on his own by alerting him to household sounds that he was not able to hear. The pair were were inseparable for more than 10 years until Milly sadly had to be put to sleep.

A few months before she died, Glen and his family decided that he would need a replacement dog and that, in an ideal world, his next assistance dog would not only alert him to sounds but would also perform vital tasks such as helping him to get undressed, opening and closing doors, and retrieving things for Glen from cupboards, supermarket shelves and from the floor.

Glen approached both Hearing Dogs and Canine Partners to explore the possibility of both charities combining forces to train his next dog. “Milly and I went to an event and saw Andy Cook from Canine Partners,” Glen explained. “With Andy was Geri, a young chocolate Labrador, and he showed me how Geri knew some tasks already.  I loved her from the first time I saw her. Andy said he was sure Geri could learn all the taskwork and soundwork – the first time that Canine Partners and Hearing Dogs would work together.”

Vicky, from Canine Partners, trained Geri to perform all her taskwork. “Glen had a long list of tasks that he required,” she said. “Fortunately Geri was a quick learner and loved it all. It was also important for me to adapt my training and stop using verbal commands as Glen doesn’t have speech.”

Geri then moved to Hearing Dogs, where Nikki Hawkes undertook training her to respond to everyday sounds. “Geri was very bright and picked things up quickly,” said Nikki. “Her favourite sound was the alarm clock, and she worked reliably for this all through her training, as I can testify as I took her home each night! Glen worked very hard with Geri, and this shows in the close bond they now have.”

Milly remained with Glen until the end, and she and Geri got on very well. Glen uses a mobility scooter to get around outside; Geri would walk alongside the scooter with Milly riding on the platform!

“Geri pulls off my shoes, socks and jeans,” Glen explained. “She fetches things for me, opens and closes doors and we have taught her to pick up boxes, cans and other things from my kitchen cupboards and supermarket shelves. She started taking paper from my printer and giving it to me, something she did herself – I did not teach her. She is very clever and learns my needs without me having to tell her.

“She is very quick to respond to the doorbell, telephone, cooker timer, mobile phone, alarm clock and smoke alarm,” he added. “Geri has also learned my signal for when I need help and she pushes the lifeline button.

“Geri and I are now very close friends and partners,” he told Able magazine. “If she is bored and there are no sounds for her to alert to or no tasks that I need, she will go to the hall and switch the lights on with her nose! She always licks my ear, which tickles. I have taught Geri to do a High Five – she knows we do that when she has been a good girl!

“I am so glad I had Geri to help when Milly passed away and I want to thank Canine Partners and Hearing Dogs for giving me a lovely partner and assistant – my lovely Geri.”

As a registered charity Canine Partners receives no government funding and is wholly dependent on public donations and legacies. There are currently more than 140 partnerships across the UK. For further information on volunteering, fundraising or applying for a Canine Partner, please call 08456 580 480 or visit www.caninepartners.org.uk.

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2. Flossie
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What happens to a Canine Partner when their working life ends? We thought we’d ask one!

Stephanie has progressive hereditary spastic paraparesis, a degenerative condition of the nervous system. For the last 11 years, Canine Partner Frodo has helped maintain her independence and quality of life. Last year, Frodo retired, but Stephanie and partner John were pleased to be able to keep him as a pet, alongside new Canine Partner Elmo…

FRODO’S TALE

I’m really enjoying my retirement – after all, I’m almost 13, now. My partner’s other half – John – took early retirement in the middle of last year, so we are having fun together. I helped Steph, my partner, select him a few years ago – and even delivered the rings to the best man at their wedding, wearing a matching waistcoat! Well, Frodo was the ring bearer in the Lord of the Rings, so it was always expected!

Last year we all went down to Canine Partners training centre, so I could look over a few dogs and select a suitable apprentice. After saying ‘You’re Fired!’ to one young hopeful, I eventually gave the ‘tails-up’ to a two-year-old Golden Retriever/Labrador cross called Elmo. He needed a bit of tuition and some polishing from an experienced professional, but that’s to be expected.

Since April last year I have been reporting to John, and he’s coming on well. I had him licked into shape by the time Steph got back from her two week training with Elmo.

Looking back I’ve had a good career. I won various awards, including Working Dog of the Year 2000 and Animal Planet Working Dog Winner 2001. I have done hundreds of demonstrations, ranging from local ladies groups to Crufts. I have appeared on television and met loads of celebs while helping fundraise – I’m going to miss my fans.

To be honest, though, I don’t really miss emptying the washing machine, although once in a while I have to show the young one how it’s done! Elmo is welcome to that job! I still like to do things for Dad, and will find things to do even if he doesn’t ask; can’t sit around all day, you know!

The ‘lad’, as I like to call him, has taken over my duties fully now. He needed a bit of guidance at first; I well remember his first week, when he didn’t know how to lift the footplate on Steph’s stairlift, having not seen one before. I was snoozing on Dad’s feet in the office when I heard the lad crying on the stairs, so I got up and figured out how to lift the footplate from above. All it took was a deft flick with the paw and I then got my nose under it; who says an old dog can’t teach himself new tricks? As one of Canine Partners’ pioneers, some of what I have developed has been fed back into the standard training for the new recruits!

The lad and I share everything, including bones and our bed; we like to cuddle up together once the day’s chores are over.

ELMO’S TALE

The ‘old boy’ has now retired after showing me the ropes, but still keeps an eye on me and will show me how it’s done if he thinks I’m not up to scratch. That said, we get on great; it feels like we have been together forever. When I first arrived Frodo was always there to help and show me what was expected but, as the weeks went by, he gradually backed off without me noticing – and let me take over the lead, so to speak! He is still the guv’nor, though, but I do all the work now so he can keep an eye on John to make sure he goes to the butchers to get our marrow-bones!

As a registered charity Canine Partners receives no government funding and is wholly dependent on public donations and legacies. There are currently more than 140 partnerships across the UK. For further information on volunteering, fundraising or applying for a Canine Partner, please call 08456 580 480 or visit www.caninepartners.org.uk.

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Anna and Angie

Angie is an unusual Canine Partner – she’s worked with two members of the same family!

When Canine Partner Angie came into Paul Chandler’s life, his daughter Anna admits she was a little jealous. Both Paul and Anna had Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a brittle bone disease that means their bones can break when simply coughing or sneezing.

“I have always loved dogs,” Anna said. “Suddenly my dad had a dog that would help him do many of the tasks we both find difficult but she wasn’t for sharing! However, my dad had recently lost his father and was diagnosed with respiratory failure. He was lonely and Angie became the lifeline he really needed, I could see their bond growing and it was just the support he needed.

Usually, when a Canine Partner comes into a family environment, it is only for one recipient and no one else is allowed to give them commands. In this case, though, that began to change. Anna explained: “Because my father and I had the same condition, Angie did begin to do things for me as well. I lived next door and one day I was in with my Dad when my mobile phone began to ring. I dropped it before I could answer it and Angie immediately picked it up and delivered it back to me!”

At this point Anna could really see the difference a Canine Partner would make to her and debated applying for a Canine Partner herself. However, Anna’s father began to get quite ill and, as he struggled to give Angie the exercise she needed, Anna picked up some of the responsibility. “My Dad was worrying about Angie so much, I reassured him that I would look after her for as long as he needed me to,” she said.

Just two days after Christmas 2008, Paul died. “It was a very sad time for us, but I contacted Canine Partners straight away to ask if I could keep Angie both for myself and to fulfil my promise to Dad,” Anna said.  “They agreed, but said she had to come back in for assessment and training so they could decide whether I could have her as a full Canine Partner.

“I was delighted when Canine Partners said I could take Angie home as a full Canine Partner,” continued Anna. “I had got her well enough under control to be a jacketed assistance dog, which felt amazing. I have bad asthma and continually forget to take my inhaler in the mornings and evenings. Angie has picked up on this and brings it to me and waits with me until I take it – if I forget, she barks until I do! What’s more, when I recently had an asthma attack she went and fetched my fiancé Craig without being asked to.”

Angie now lives with Anna, Craig and two Maltese dogs that seem to have a calming influence on the Canine Partner. Anna and Angie go everywhere together and have given each other a great deal of emotional support over the last few months.

“One thing I really want to emphasise is that most people with brittle bones are scared of dogs, especially big ones like Angie,” she said. “They are afraid that the dog won’t realize and might jump on them, breaking a bone or two.  I want every person with Osteogenesis Imperfecta to know that dogs like Angie know this and they too could benefit from a Canine Partner. When Angie jumps up, she does it in such gentle way that it’s like a feather touching you. She might be playful and bit wild, but when it comes to the crunch she is as gentle as a lamb. I trust Angie when I’m out of the chair on the floor or in bed.

“We are so close, Angie has been there for both me and my Dad which is a lovely feeling,” Anna added. “Not long ago my fiancé was in hospital for six weeks and Angie recognised the fact I felt nervous when left alone. She really was my shadow during that time and offered me the extra company I needed. It has been an emotional roller coaster this year but, without Angie, I think I would have found it much more difficult.”

As a registered charity Canine Partners receives no government funding and is wholly dependent on public donations and legacies. There are currently more than 140 partnerships across the UK. For further information on volunteering, fundraising or applying for a Canine Partner, please visit www.caninepartners.org.uk or call 08456 580 480.

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1. Flossie and the Dogs Pad
2. Canine Partners Needs You!
3. Flossie Gets a New Home!

Flossie has now joined the pre-advanced training class that, as the name suggests, is preparing her for going into advanced training. All the dogs in this group can be called in at any time to replace a dog in advanced training that gets placed with a human partner.

In class the trainers are concentrating on familiarising Flossie with the rooms she will use whilst in advanced training. This includes the main arena at the National Training Centre, in West Sussex, and the Dogs Pad – Canine Partners’ very own five-star accommodation for dogs in training. With the Dogs Pad, the Charity has created accommodation that is more like a comfortable doggie room than traditional kennels. All the dogs sleep in the same room, with simple dividers set up to allow everyone to have their own space if they want it, although most dogs prefer to curl up in pairs. This is no Fort Knox – the dividers are low and allow for plenty of human contact.

Canine Partners is also reducing the verbal commands Flossie is given, encouraging her to look for hand signals and head cues in case she is placed with someone who has poor speech. She has already undergone her pre-advanced training health assessment, which looks at her joints, eyes and general fitness, along with having all her booster vaccinations.

Flossie has also taken part in several demos at nearby schools and the training centre, which are an important learning curve for the dogs as well as a useful means of spreading the word about the work of Canine Partners.

Flossie is likely to be in advanced training for between four and six months. Following a careful and rigorous assessment, the matching process between each applicant and their Canine Partner occurs – selecting the right dog for the right person, and vice versa. The final stage of training is an intensive two-week residential course attended by disabled partners who learn how to train, manage and care for their dogs – the beginning of many unique, fulfilling long-term partnerships!

It will have cost approximately £10,000 to train Flossie by the time she is ready to be re-homed with her human partner. For as little as £1 a week, you can Adopt a Puppy to help support Flossie and others in their ongoing training. Canine Partners is also keen to hear from applicants, volunteers and those wishing to become a Puppy Parent.

For further information, please visit www.caninepartners.co.uk or call 08456 580 480.

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Canine Partners is always happy to hear from any people who would like to apply for a Canine Partner, but they’re also on the lookout for help from individuals and businesses. Any support you can give enables Canine Partners to train more assistance dogs like Flossie and so help disabled people like Jessica – who now shares her home with Canine Partner Ayisha, aka “Ash”.

“Since Ash came into our home, every member of my family’s life has been transformed,” says Jessica. “With three kids, two wheels, one husband and no time you might have thought that adding a dog to that equation would be madness. However, because that dog is a Canine Partner, the sums work! The simplest things can make all the difference to a disabled person.

“All mothers need to pick up after their families but, from a wheelchair, the constant bending down would leave me full of pain and exhaustion at the end of the day. Now I have Ash to picks up toys and mess clothes; help me with the washing, and grab my shoes when they fall off my feet. A million other small things have halved my pain and doubled my independence.

“She is adored by my children and husband as a much loved family member, but when she has her jacket on she becomes an attentive friend, ready to help me for no more that a smile – and perhaps a slice of sausage!”

For further information on how you can help, please visit www.caninepartners.co.uk or call 08456 580 480.

Here’s how you can help Canine Partners:
•    ‘Adopt a Puppy’ for just £1 a week
•    Make a donation by cheque or card (call 08456 580 480), or donate online at www.caninepartners.co.uk
•    Set up a regular gift by standing order
•    Become a volunteer
•    Buy or sell our Christmas Cards
•    Donate gifts in kind
•    Make Canine Partners your charity of the year
•    Set up a Payroll Giving scheme
•    Encourage employee fundraising or volunteering
•    Recycle printer cartridges or mobile phones
•    Put a collection box in your local shop or pub
•    Take part in a fundraising event
•    Organise a Bluebell Walk
•    Join a support group in your area
•    Consider leaving a gift to Canine Partners in your Will

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Kate Cross explains how an assistance dog called Byron has made a huge difference to her life.

My joints dislocate very easily, so if I bend down to pick something off the floor my shoulder tends to drop painfully out of joint. Since mid-September 2007, though, my shoulder dislocations have reduced from several a day to none at all – thanks to my new shadow, Canine Partner Byron!

Before Byron I hadn’t had the confidence, for a few years, to go into town on my own in my power chair – not since being used as football target practise by a group of abusive teenagers. It had been left to my parents – both in their 80s – to shop and do my banking business. Now I have Byron, we go into town twice a week and I do the shopping and banking for my parents! And the best bit? A group of teenagers who watched open mouthed as Byron jumped up to activate the switch to open the door into the building society. When we came out they asked me lots of questions, before telling me how cool we were!

And they’re not alone. In the past people wouldn’t talk to me and avoided eye contact. I felt like the invisible woman. Now hassled shoppers suddenly break into a smile as we walk by or they see Byron take something off the shelf for me. Checkout operators love it when they get me and Byron at their till.

NEW CHALLENGES

As a musician I visit different venues for rehearsals and concerts. Byron learned very quickly to settle down and lie quietly on his bed, but I was concerned how he might react to a concert using very unusual old instruments called sackbuts and cornetts. So my wonderful aftercare worker Julia came along to be on hand to take Byron out if he suddenly decided to join in the music-making! Why had I worried? Julia spent a pleasant afternoon listening to us rehearse the Monteverdi Vespers, while Byron behaved impeccably – moving only to change position occasionally and to pick up my pencil when I dropped it! At the end of the rehearsal he was immediately ready to fetch my crutches and help pack his bowl and bed away. His behaviour during the evening concert was equally impressive.

I feel much more confident and safe with Byron at my side. I feel valued, am generally more active than I used to be and can go out independently when I want. My husband Stuart has peace of mind while at work, knowing that Byron can fetch the phone for me if I fall. Oh – and Stuart no longer has to empty the washing machine for me, a job Byron loves! Nor does Stuart have to bring my crutches, pass the remote control or fetch my slippers. Byron does all that for me, tail wagging enthusiastically – all for a fuss and a bit of liver cake. Never worked when I tried that with Stuart!

I know that it has taken a lot of hard work by many people to get Byron to this stage. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone – volunteers and paid workers alike.  I feel extremely proud and privileged to be a part of Canine Partners and to have Byron in my life. I can’t imagine life without him – he’s a star!

MORE:

For further information on Canine
Partners, please call 08456 580 480,
or visit www.caninepartners.co.uk.

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2. Flossie Gets a New Home!
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A Canine Partner ensures a Leicester woman feels safe and proud.

Anne Pridmore from Leicester, has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. She now shares her life with Eben, an assistance dog provided by Canine Partners, the national charity which trains dogs to change the lives of disabled people.

“It always seemed that the moment my PA disappeared, I would drop something or be unable to reach for it,” said Anne. “Now Eben picks things up from the floor, presses lift and shop/bank buttons, opens and shuts doors, gets post from the letter box, collects his collar and harness, plus much more.”

Anne first heard about Canine Partners from a work colleague. After successfully making it through the application process, she first met Eben when visiting the Canine Partners National Training Centre in West Sussex. “From the first moment I was asked to do some exercise with Eben I really loved him. He is such a large and handsome dog that when I was matched with him, I felt so privileged.”

As an unpaid campaigner for the Human Rights of disabled people, Anne develops and designs training materials for disabled people who employ their own PAs, support workers or carers. She is also developing a Handbook for Disabled Employers and their PAs – titled Being The Boss.

Since graduating with Eben in August 2008, Anne feels she now has a reason to get off the computer and get out and about. “Eben needs exercising everyday, which makes me take time out,” she explained. “I am never lonely when I have him with me.”

There are currently 140 active Canine Partners throughout the country. The Charity receives no government funding and is entirely reliant on donations and legacies.

For more information on Canine Partner, including volunteering and fundraising opportunities, call 08456 580 480 or visit www.caninepartners.co.uk.

For information on Anne’s publications, visit www.beingtheboss.co.uk.

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Determination, the support of friends and his canine partner all helped James Rose raise more than £4,000 for charity – by leaping from the sky!

Inspired by his best friend Michelle Lewis, who trekked across Jordan three years ago, James determined to face down his fear of heights by completing a parachute jump. However, doctors’ concerns led to two years’ battle with medical bureaucracy to achieve his dream – and to raise in excess of £4,000 for Canine Partners and Comic Relief.

“On arrival, the instructors were very doubtful about the jump happening,” he added. “To an extent, that served as a comfort – thinking I wasn’t going to jump out, after all, of a plane at 13,000 feet! On the other hand, I was painfully aware that more and more people were arriving with the hope of watching me and Michelle skydive. Suddenly, one of the instructors shouted: ‘We’re on!’

“The plane ride up was the worst stage; I had to sit on the floor of a rickety plane in-between my instructor’s legs. Before I knew it, I was sitting on the edge of the plane with my feet dangling above the fluffy bed of white cloud below. I went into a state of acceptance of what was to come – I was nervous but I did not react to that feeling, knowing it would be pointless and may have put our safety in jeopardy.

“When we left the plane and started plunging down through the clouds, I had to maintain my cool and breathe despite the blast of cold air continually blowing in my face. I saw a rush of cloud whizzing across my face as I cut through the white bed of clouds. After 10 seconds’ free fall at nine metres a second, the clouds opened up and I saw the ground below. We suddenly got jolted upwards; it took me a few seconds to realise that it was the parachute opening up, after which everything went silent and I found myself surveying the ground below.

“It felt as if we were suspended in the air, even though I knew we were still going down. Everything on the ground appeared very small and relatively insignificant in comparison to my view of the ground! I was in awe of where I was and just as speechless – apart from occasionally saying ‘Oh my God – it’s Amazing!’ I was surprisingly confident enough to wave at the spectators on the ground as we came into landing (which went perfectly). My legs were not in any danger as they were strapped to my instructor’s legs, who put his feet under my feet during touch-down.”

James was later reunited with his Nemo, who was probably quite relieved to learn that canine partners are not expected to go absolutely everywhere with their humans!

For further information on Canine Partners please call 08456 580480 or visit www.caninepartners.co.uk.

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3. Super Dog

David Filmer explains how a canine partner called Zack turned his life around.

Zack has made so much difference to my life, it’s hard to know where to begin.

For many years I had depression due to the implications of being a disabled person in a world that cherishes perfection, and the loneliness and isolation this creates. I found it hard to motivate myself to find suitable exercise; so the pounds piled on. Apart from work, I’d go out less and less; consequently, my social circle dwindled and I felt even worse. While I am physically fairly independent there were still plenty of things I couldn’t do for myself around the home, for which I needed to ask for assistance from neighbours and friends. This grated and felt like an imposition on them, so I often waited ages before asking, simply found alternatives or went without.

Several people, including my counsellor, suggested that I needed a partner in my life and that as my confidence and success at relationships was so low that a dog might be a good substitute. As I am generally out of the house at work for more than 10 hours a day this seemed impractical – how on earth could I leave a dog at home for that length of time?

Then, at the Independent Living Exhibition in London, I met representatives from Canine Partners who explained to me how a working dog could accompany me to the office and solve many of my practical difficulties. Additionally the dog would be a companion for me and a reason to take more exercise, getting me out of the house and socialising again. After a few assessment days during the winter of 2006-07, I graduated with Zack in March 2007.

I’m over the moon. Zack has made so much difference to my life. The need to give Zack regular exercise means that I’m getting out of the house much more. I’m losing weight and meeting lots of new people too, which is helping to break the depressive cycle of hiding away from society. Zack and I are now regulars at our local pub quiz, and is becoming something of a celebrity in his own right, which means more people know me too.

Now when I have a low day, Zack is there with a cheery nudge to let him out, so I have to get out of bed. He gives me a focus and helps me talk through my feelings without judgement, which really helps. Before Zack I used to have low patches on a regular basis when I would feel terrible for days on end, sometimes feeling suicidal. Since I’ve had Zack in my life this has ceased almost completely, and now when I feel low I know Zack will cheer me up. He’s always so playful and cheeky you could never stay sad in his company for long.

Zack’s made a practical difference in my life too. He makes it easier for me to cope at home and at work without help from other people. He’s able to open doors when I might struggle, he picks things up that I drop or can’t reach, and helps drags the laundry basket out to the washing line for me. It’s great to do things myself, and not have to rely on friends and neighbours and then worry about being an imposition. Now I have Zack, I can’t imagine going back to life alone again.

For further information on Canine Partners, please call 08456 580 480 or visit www.caninepartners.co.uk.

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Vegas is, for the time being at least, unique. The five year old black Labrador is the UK’s only registered assistance dog who performs the dual roles of guiding a blind person and helping a wheelchair user. His training is the result of a ground-breaking link-up between the charities Guide Dogs and Canine Partners.
Stephanie Read, from Torquay in Devon, has both Macular Hyperplasia (meaning she has only a very small amount of vision) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which affects her joints and organs. The 26 year old has been a wheelchair user for the past 10 years and, before being introduced to Vegas, was a virtual prisoner in her own home, lacking confidence and isolated from the outside world.
Requiring help to get dressed and carry out the most basic domestic tasks – from answering the phone to picking up a book or newspaper – Stephanie has previously relied almost entirely upon a carer, sometimes waiting many hours for assistance to arrive.

Now, with Vegas by her side, Stephanie is able to carry out simple daily tasks, such as putting on her own clothes, using the washing machine, taking money out of a cash point, picking up the telephone, answering the door, and being able to decide what time to turn into bed without having to rely on when a helper is available.

Vegas also provides Stephanie with the freedom and confidence to leave her home when she wants, without needing to wait for a friend or helper to escort her. They enjoy regular outings around Torquay and, when at busy roads crossings, Vegas even reaches up and presses the pelican crossing button with her paw.

Vegas was initially trained by Canine Partners and began working with Stephanie in March 2006. The guide dog training took place earlier this year, with Vegas recently qualifying as the first dual-purpose assistance dog to guide a visually impaired person in an electric-wheelchair.

David Bailey, Guide Dogs’ district team manager explains: “Vegas has an extra long harness handle, allowing her to walk safely in front of Stephanie’s wheelchair. As with other guide dog owners, Stephanie recognises if she should stop, or move to the left or right, by sensing the movement in the handle.”

Andy Cook, director of operations at Canine Partners adds: “Stephanie is now leading a truly independent life. She has confidence to go shopping, meet friends and get out on her own. Although this is a pilot project, we hope there will be further examples of dual trained assistance dogs benefiting visually impaired wheelchair users in the future. It goes to show what is possible when two charities work closely together.”

Stephanie, who has always been a tidy person, now has a spotless home, thanks to Vegas.  She explains: “Anything left on the floor is picked up by Vegas, regardless of whether it needs to be moved or not! Even my cat, Mimmy, counts as clutter; Vegas rushes to nudge the front door shut before she can dash inside the house!”
The bond between Stephanie and Vegas is extraordinary. When she recently fell out of her wheelchair, it took an hour for help to arrive. As the rain poured down, however, loyal Vegas remained next to Stephanie, providing comfort and reassurance.

“She’s transformed my freedom, mobility and independence,” says Stephanie. “Vegas is a super dog – and I’m so grateful to Canine Partners and Guide Dogs for this miracle.”

MORE INFORMATION
Canine Partners
08456 580 480, www.caninepartners.co.uk
Guide Dogs
0118 983 5555, www.guidedogs.org.uk

Related posts:

1. Flossie
2. Flossie Gets a New Home!
3. Flossie Gets Advanced

Last year, assistance dog charity Canine Partners trained 40 dogs to transform the lives of disabled people – a 50% increase on 2007. With 140 such working partnerships across the UK, Able gives an overview of the training process.

Canine Partners breed many of the dogs it trains, but also take on puppies from other breeders. “There is no particular science to what makes a good Canine Partner,” says Andy Cook, Operations Director at Canine Partners. “However, there are specific characteristics and tendencies that give a pup more potential as an assistance dog.”

“Each puppy is tested in a neutral room on its own, rather than with its litter mates, so we can observe it as an individual,” Andy explains. “Canine Partners look for puppies, especially retrieving breeds or mixes, that want to interact and be with humans but are not over friendly or boisterous. Puppies that are highly noise-sensitive or anxious around people could not cope with the job of an assistance dog.

“We want puppies that are curious and want to know what you’re doing,” adds Andy.  “Polite puppies that come over but are a bit hesitant – as if they’re saying: ‘You look nice; excuse me, can I play with you?’ Unfortunately pups that grab your hands, or try to rip up toys rather than carry them are less suitable. Nor are puppies that are too possessive over toys or food.

“We are really looking for animals that settle down quickly and adapt readily to new things as this means they are more likely to blossom within our training programme.”

Selected puppies are cared for by volunteer Puppy Parents from the age of eight weeks to about 14 months. By attending weekly training classes, Puppy Parents learn how to socialise puppies to every environment an assistance dog might work in, such as busy streets, shops, hospitals, supermarkets and bus stations.

Puppies are taught how to problem-solve, a quality crucial to successfully working as an assistance dog at an exceptionally high level.

Following a successful assessment, young dogs begin their advanced training, which lasts between three to six months. Each day, the dogs are worked in both the Training Centre and in public, developing and honing their skills in preparation for placement.

They learn to use their initiative as well as to respond quickly and reliably when asked. For example, one dog observed his Partner having difficulty reaching for his card at the cash point. Without command, the dog reached up and took the money and card from the dispenser for his Partner.

In addition to this training, the prospective assistance dogs also enjoy extensive exercise and play, which helps prepare them for the rigours of working as an assistance dog.

The final phase of training involves a Residential Training Course where our Partners learn to work with their chosen assistance dog. Training is given on a residential course as well as domiciliary instruction in the Partners’ homes. Aftercare and support is provided for the whole of the partnership’s working life.

For further information on the work of Canine Partners, call 08456 580 480 or visit www.caninepartners.co.uk.

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Able magazine is pleased to report on the latest ‘career development’ for our favourite Canine Partner, Flossie!

Great news! After two years of training, Flossie will shortly go to live in Cambridgeshire, having been selected to become a Companion Canine Partner for a young Polish man who was injured in a road traffic accident several years ago.

Companion placements differ from full Canine Partner placements, in that the human Partner is not solely responsible for the dog – usually the nature of their condition makes this unrealistic – so family members or personal assistants are expected to routinely help with the care of the animal. Companion Canine Partners still receive the same high standard of training to assist recipients around the home environment, performing any number of different tasks, but they don’t wear the distinctive purple Canine Partner jacket when in public and would not be allowed to go into any shops where pets aren’t normally allowed. This is because the recipient is not independent in their management of the dog in public places.

As a result of his accident, Flossie’s future partner is unable to walk, stand or support his own weight on his upper limbs, and so uses a wheelchair. Canine Partners is optimistic that Flossie will be able to act as a type of ‘physiotherapy’ for him; her regular grooming and stroking will hopefully improve the function of his clawed left hand, particularly with regard to straightening it.

Practical tasks that will fall to Flossie include the retrieval of dropped items, tugging open doors – which she loves! – and pulling off jackets, as well as taking messages between family members. She will without doubt be a huge emotional support for her new Partner, as he has become quite isolated from his peer group in recent months. Another benefit will be to his family, as they currently spend a lot of time carrying out simple tasks that Flossie will be able to do instead.

Flossie is currently staying with her original Puppy Parents Chris & Geoff Walker, prior to heading off to Cambridgeshire.

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