CANINE PARTNERS

We all know what fine companions dogs can be – especially if they’re well behaved. For people living with disabilities, though, the addition of a specially-trained dog can be nothing short of life-changing.

Canine Partners forges those relation-ships. With extensive training specifically matching the needs of applicants, it’s a charity that turns enthusiastic young puppies into vital assistance dogs capable of everything from helping applicants to undress, retrieving cash and cards from an ATM, picking up dropped items, loading the washing machine and, crucially, fetching help in an emergency. Working with the sufferers of a range of complex conditions – such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and strokes – the aim of Canine Partners is to ease the daily struggle of suffering from a disability by completing basic tasks that have become difficult.

As well as providing unconditional love, it’s hoped the dogs increase confidence and independence, allowing people to get their lives back on track.

Since 1990, more than 700 assistance dogs have been placed, while an additional 160 dogs are in training at the moment, including some working to join veterans and those wounded in service.

Before the dogs move in with their new owners, they all spend 12 to 14 months training with a volunteer, followed by four months’ advanced training at one of the charity’s two regional training centres.

After that, the partnerships are almost always a success, meaning there is a vast waiting list.

With your help, though, Canine Partners hope they can transform the lives of even more thoroughly deserving people.