From waiting lists to wagging tails: How Louise found the role that was right for her
Growing up with dogs, Louise always imagined having one of her own. But as an Occupational Therapist, she wasn’t sure how dog ownership would fit around her career.
Although she currently works from home, there was always the possibility of returning to a more clinical role in the future, making the long-term commitment of owning a pet feel difficult to navigate.
At the same time, Louise knew she’d love to spend more time with dogs.
After spending a couple of years on volunteering waiting lists with other dog charities, Louise came across a Canine Partners advert on Facebook. Intrigued, she visited the website to learn more, explored the range of volunteer roles available and attended a volunteer open day. That’s when she discovered the Assistance Dog Training Volunteer role.
Before long, daily walks, wagging tails and plenty of Labrador company had become part of everyday life.
“I’ve wanted to volunteer with dogs for a long time, but finding the right opportunity wasn’t easy. When I looked into Canine Partners the Assistance Dog Training Volunteer role immediately stood out. It seemed like something that would fit around my lifestyle and work commitments, so I got in touch with the team to find out more.”
The joy of welcoming dogs into her home
It’s been five months since Lousie began volunteering and she has already welcomed two assistance dogs in training into her home. First came yellow Labrador Midge, followed by her sister Zara.
“It’s been lovely getting to know both of them and seeing how different their personalities are. They’re related, but you wouldn’t know it. They’ve each brought something completely different to the experience and made me laugh in their own way.
I was amazed by how well behaved they both are. Even simple things, like waiting calmly while I prepare their food, show just how much training and consistency goes into preparing them for their future role.”
Louise loves sharing everyday moments with the dogs and seeing them take new situations in their stride. Whether it’s a trip to visit her parents, travelling in the car or simply relaxing at home together, she knows these experiences help the dogs build confidence in different environments, practise their skills in everyday situations and support their wellbeing as they continue their training.
Volunteering that works around Louise’s lifestyle
Living in Loughborough, Louise finds the role easy to fit into her life, with Canine Partners’ National Training Centre in nearby Osgathorpe making training visits and handovers easy to manage.
Louise currently drops Zara off at the charity for training three times a week before work and collects her again in the evening.
Louise is well supported by the Canine Partners team, with someone always on hand to offer advice and guidance.
For Louise, one of the biggest benefits of the role is the flexibility it offers. Not only does it fit around her work commitments, but it also gives her the freedom to travel and take breaks between dogs when needed.
Goodbyes and seeing the bigger picture
Like many volunteers, Louise initially wondered how she would feel when the time came to say goodbye to her first dog.
I definitely had mixed feelings about giving Midge back. We’d built a real bond. But because of my background as an Occupational Therapist, I can also see the bigger picture and understand just how much difference these dogs can make to someone’s life.
Plus, Zara came along soon after, which helped. The charity also keeps you up to date with how your dogs are doing which is so lovely.
Through her work, Louise understands how seemingly small tasks can become significant challenges for disabled people.
“Something as simple as dropping an item can be frustrating for a non-disabled person. For a disabled person, having a dog that can retrieve that item can be life-changing.”
Rather than seeing goodbyes as an ending, Louise sees them as an important step towards a future partnership. The experience has been so rewarding that she already knows she’d love to welcome another assistance dog in training after Zara.
Reflecting on her experience, Louise says volunteering has given her exactly what she hoped for. She gets to enjoy all the things she loves about having a dog, from walks, adventures and companionship to the everyday moments that make each dog unique, while balancing volunteering alongside the things that matter to her, including her career and travel.
Interested in volunteering with dogs?
If, like Louise, you’ve always wanted a dog but aren’t sure how ownership would fit around work, travel, or other commitments, becoming an Assistance Dog Training Volunteer could be the perfect fit.
You’ll enjoy all the rewards of having a dog in your life while helping a future assistance dog grow in confidence, thrive in a home environment, and continue their journey towards supporting a disabled person.