“She’s always by my side and has quickly become part of everything I do.”
Jane’s life changed forever in 2009 when a spinal abscess and meningitis left her critically ill and fighting for her life.
While she was in intensive care, doctors warned her husband Richard that she was unlikely to survive. After eight months in hospital and rehabilitation, the former teacher and keen tennis player returned home to the devastating reality that she would never walk again.
“Overnight, my husband became my carer. The physical impact was huge, but the emotional toll was just as devastating. I felt trapped in my own body and my home. I’d lost my confidence, my independence and my sense of who I was.”
Before becoming ill, Jane had lived a busy and active life. Suddenly, she was adapting to life as a wheelchair user while navigating fatigue, house adaptations and barriers she had never had to think about before.
“The physical changes were enormous, but so was the emotional impact. I felt very isolated and life began to feel smaller.”
Then, just as Jane was beginning to come to terms with her new reality, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. “That was probably the lowest point in my life.”
Later that year, while still recovering from surgery, Jane was encouraged to attend an independent living exhibition in Glasgow. She almost didn’t go. But one moment at the exhibition changed everything.
“In the middle of the exhibition hall was a black Labrador in a purple jacket doing a demonstration with Canine Partners. In that moment, I knew I wanted an assistance dog. It gave me hope.”
Jane applied straight away and says it was the best decision she ever made. Nearly two years later, she met Damson, a Golden Retriever who would completely transform her life. “It was love at first sight.”
From the moment they were partnered, Jane’s world began to open up again. Damson helped with everyday tasks such as picking up dropped items, retrieving her phone, bringing her wheelchair closer and helping remove clothing.
But for Jane, Damson’s impact went far beyond practical support. “Damson helped me find myself again. I began to feel confident going out, meeting friends, travelling and getting involved in the world again. I wasn’t stuck inside or held back by fear anymore.”
For the first time in years, Jane began to look forward to each day again.
“I didn’t cry every day anymore, because Damson was by my side.”
Over the years, Jane and Damson did everything together, from coffee mornings and talks to television appearances. “She wasn’t just my assistance dog, she was my best friend, my companion and my constant support.”
When Damson passed away in 2024 at the age of 13, Jane was heartbroken. “Damson had been by my side through some of the hardest years of my life and I honestly don’t know who I would be without her. I was so lucky to have had her.”
Thanks to Canine Partners’ lifetime support, Jane had already been partnered with her second assistance dog, Walshy, a playful Golden Retriever who helped her through the loss. “Damson and Walshy shared my home for nine months and it felt like she was gently passing the baton. She seemed happy to let him take over and he stepped into her pawprints beautifully.”
Now, Walshy is by Jane’s side every day, bringing constant joy and laughter into her life. “He makes me laugh every single day.”
Walshy helps Jane with daily tasks including retrieving dropped items, closing doors, bringing her glasses or TV remote, removing clothing, and bringing her wheelchair within reach. “He’s clever, curious and always willing to learn.”
Earlier this year, when Jane broke her ankle, Walshy calmly adapted to the new routine and stayed beside her throughout her recovery. “His companionship made a world of difference.”
Today, Jane says Walshy helps her focus on everything she still can do, rather than what she has lost. “With Walshy, I feel like myself again. I smile more, I laugh more, and I don’t focus so much on what I can’t do. He gives me a reason to get up and get going.”
Together, they spend their days walking in the woods, visiting town and meeting friends for coffee. Walshy’s gentle nature and happy face attract attention everywhere they go. “People always notice him because he has the happiest face and the gentlest nature.”
Even Richard, who once considered himself more of a cat person, completely fell in love with both of Jane’s Canine Partners. “He adored Damson too. She became his companion in retirement, and now he and Walshy have their own lovely bond.”
Jane says she will never stop being grateful for the difference her Canine Partners have made to her life.
“Damson gave me my life back and Walshy helps me keep living it. With him beside me, the future feels bright.”
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