Former tree surgeon finds love with support of Canine Partners assistance dogs
A former tree surgeon whose life changed in an instant after a devastating accident has rebuilt his life, and even found love, thanks to two assistance dogs from charity Canine Partners.
James, 46, from Shropshire, had always lived for the outdoors, working in tree surgery and spending his free time rock climbing. But during a routine job dismantling an ash tree, James fell, sustaining a severe head injury, two broken vertebrae and multiple fractures. He was placed on life support, and at one stage doctors warned his family to expect the worst. “My family didn’t give up on me, and somehow I pulled through.”
His recovery was long and demanding. James had to relearn basic skills such as speaking, eating and drinking, and came to terms with paralysis from the chest down. A year after the accident, he began adjusting to life beyond hospital, gradually rebuilding his independence with the support of family, friends and carers. But everyday tasks remained exhausting and time-consuming.
That changed in 2012 when James was partnered with Winter, a black Labrador from Canine Partners. Winter helped with daily tasks such as retrieving dropped items, pressing lift buttons and opening doors, making life far less physically demanding. She also transformed James’s confidence. “I became more confident going out and was able to do so much more. Before, I was shy and held back, but Winter became my ice breaker.”
With Winter by his side, James began to reconnect with the world. She also provided reassurance in emergencies, fetching the phone if he fell or felt unwell. “Winter changed my life for the better.”
After retiring in 2022, Winter later passed away, leaving a huge gap in James’s life. In December 2023, James was partnered with his second assistance dog, Dawn. “Dawn has helped me move forward while still holding on to everything Winter gave me.”
Dawn has restored confidence and reassurance in James’s daily life and played a part in an unexpected new chapter. During his placement course, James met Jess, who was also being matched with her second assistance dog. Their shared experiences brought them closer, and their friendship grew into a relationship. Today, with Dawn by his side and Jess and Honey alongside him, James is looking ahead to a future full of possibility.
As part of its recent rebrand, Canine Partners is shining a light on partnerships like James’ – real-life stories that show the life-changing impact these dogs make every day. Canine Partners relies entirely on donations to breed and train assistance dogs that help disabled people live with greater independence, confidence and companionship. To find out more or support the charity, visit www.caninepartners.org.uk.