‘30 dogs later, I’m still saying yes’ – meet Darryl, an Assistance Dog Training Volunteer
When Darryl first heard about Canine Partners fourteen years ago, it wasn’t through an advert or social media post. Instead, it all began with a chance encounter while walking through his village.
After noticing someone with a particularly well-behaved dog, he struck up a conversation and learned about the life-changing work of Canine Partners the charity. Inspired by what he heard, Darryl filled out an application form and soon welcomed a future assistance dog into his home at weekends.
At the time, the role fitted perfectly around his full-time job. When he later retired, Darryl was able to volunteer more regularly. Since that first conversation, Darryl and his wife, Sarah, have cared for more than 30 future assistance dogs on their way to partnership.
Today, Darryl is a familiar face at our National Training Centre. Alongside his role as a full-time Assistance Dog Training Volunteer, he also lends a hand with maintenance and grounds work. His current canine companion is Virgil, a yellow Labrador, who he jokes might just be one of the best-behaved dogs he’s ever looked after.
Helping dogs put their learning into practice
As an Assistance Dog Training Volunteer, Darryl provides a loving home for dogs while they complete advanced assistance dog training at our National Training Centre in Osgathorpe.
While trainers teach important skills during classes, volunteers help dogs apply those lessons in everyday life, building confidence through routine experiences and new adventures.
“It’s all the little everyday moments that help a dog grow in confidence. Whether we’re out exploring somewhere new, meeting people, spending time at home or heading off on an adventure, every experience helps. The great thing about the role is that you’re simply sharing your life with the dog, having fun together and helping them learn along the way.”
For Darryl, that means incorporating dogs into the life he’s already living. His current four-legged friend, Virgil, is never far from the action. Whether it’s a walk somewhere new, a trip into town, relaxing at home or even heading out on his boat, Virgil is always by his side.
While he may already be one of the best-behaved dogs Darryl has cared for, every outing is another chance to practise important skills to help the future assistance dog grow in confidence, all while giving him plenty of opportunities to enjoy being a young dog.
Darryl explains that each dog arrives with their own unique personality. Some are confident from day one, while others need a little more encouragement, but every one of them keeps life interesting. Darryl says helping dogs develop good habits and confidence outside the classroom is a key part of the role.
It really does take a village
Having played a role in creating 30 life-changing partnerships, Darryl understands that no future assistance dog succeeds alone.
He and Sarah create a handover pack for every dog they care for before they move on to the next stage of training. Filled with details about favourite treats, routines, toys and personality quirks, the packs help future partners get to know their new canine companion.
Today, when dogs arrive from their Puppy Training Volunteers, they often come with similar notes of their own. These snapshots of a dog’s personality help make the transition smoother and are a reminder of just how many people play a part in every dog’s success.
For Darryl, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering. Every person involved plays a role in helping a dog reach their potential, and volunteers are an important part of that team.
“No one person raises an assistance dog. It takes trainers, Puppy Training Volunteers, Assistance Dog Training Volunteers and eventually a partner. It really does take a village.”
The hardest part… and the best part
Of course, after 14 years and more than 30 dogs, there are some goodbyes that have been harder than others.
One dog who particularly stands out is Smartie, who stayed with Darryl and his wife for longer than expected during the COVID lockdowns. The extended stay gave them even more time together and, unsurprisingly, she became a firm family favourite.
“People ask how I can keep giving the dogs back. The truth is, you know they’re moving on to something special, and there’s always another dog around the corner who needs you. You’re only part of the dog’s story for a little while, but it’s a really important chapter.”
Despite those difficult moments, Darryl encourages anyone considering volunteering not to let the prospect of saying goodbye put them off.
Darryl describes dogs in advanced training as being a little like Peter Pan. They’re not quite grown up yet, they’re full of character and potential, and they’re at a really exciting point in their lives. For him, that’s what makes the role so special. You’re helping a dog during one of the most formative stages of their development and having plenty of fun along the way.
For him, one of the greatest rewards comes later when he sees the dogs he has helped thriving in partnership.
Living close to the National Training Centre means reunions happen more often than most people might expect. Seeing those dogs again, and witnessing the difference they’re making, reminds him exactly why he continues to volunteer.
Could you be part of the village?
More than 30 dogs later, Darryl is still saying yes.
Not because it’s always easy, but because he knows every walk, adventure and everyday moment helps prepare a future assistance dog for partnership with a disabled person.
Darryl’s volunteering journey has evolved over time. He first welcomed dogs into his home at weekends while working full time and, after retiring, was able to take on the role more regularly. Whatever your routine looks like, you could play a vital role in helping future assistance dogs build confidence and put their training into practice.
Do you live or work within 30 minutes of our National Training Centre in Osgathorpe?