Jenny has been a Puppy Parent since 2019, playing a vital role in the early socialisation and training of a canine partner. At eight weeks old, we place each puppy with a volunteer puppy parent to live with them for around 14 months, until they are ready to move to one of our dedicated Training Centres to start Advanced Training.

Jenny describes how she became involved with Canine Partners:

“I have recently retired from work and have always wanted a dog and thought it would be very rewarding to join an assistance dog charity, such as Canine Partners. To know that I have helped to raise a puppy which will eventually be placed with a person in need is an amazing feeling.

I have looked after friends dogs when they have needed it, such as holidays and dog walking, and I also had a few dogs as a child. I have also experienced how an assistance dog could have helped and made a huge impact on a severely disabled youngster that I know of. The person concerned, has various challenges both mentally and physically, but the comfort and delight in his  face when a relative, with a dog visited, was immense and heart warming. The dog seemed to instinctively know this and stayed by his side.”

Jenny describes what her role as a Puppy Parent involves:

“My role is to rear a puppy from about eight weeks of age to around 14 months old. With guidance and basic training from my Puppy Trainer, and regular attendance to the Training Centre for more specific lessons, I will rear a happy well adjusted puppy, ready for Advanced Training and eventually to be placed with a specific partner in need.

Seeing for myself the skills taught to canine partner puppies is amazing. The realisation of how dedicated the staff and the whole team are in achieving this and all of their hard work, (and the dogs of course),  only fuelled my desire to make an impact to someone’s life by becoming a Puppy Parent.”

Jenny describes her experience of being a Canine Partners volunteer:

“My part is only the start of an amazing journey, and every day I feel proud of this, even though I know the puppy will have to leave me, she will, I know make such a difference to someone’s life.

The wonderful thing is, when my puppy has successfully been placed with their partner, I can do it all over again with another amazing dog. Canine Partners are doing absolutely amazing work, and more volunteers should come forward and change someone’s life too, the rewards are outstanding.”

Become a volunteer for Canine Partners during our 30^th anniversary year:

There are lots of ways you can volunteer for Canine Partners during our 30th year. To find out more, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/volunteering