“They’re not just highly trained assistance dogs”
Laura and her twin sister, Judith, were born with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. The condition leaves Laura dependent on a wheelchair to get around and a ventilator to help her breathe at night. She is supported by family, friends, and Personal Assistants with physical tasks, like getting dressed, fetching items, and jobs around the house.
With Laura and Judith living with the same condition, their family had to quickly adapt to, in Laura’s words, ‘get on with life’.
“When I was younger, I spent a lot of time having surgeries and medical treatment. As my mobility changed, I started to use my electric wheelchair more.”
Before discovering Canine Partners, Laura was almost entirely reliant on other people, including carers and her own family.
Meeting Canine Partner Kelsey
When Laura first met Kelsey, the yellow Labrador’s calm, gentle, and affectionate nature shone through. Happy and eager to please, Laura was amazed at how well the charity matched their personality and lifestyle.
“Kelsey is quite chilled and relaxed but is always ready to work when needed. She’s very people-focused and enjoys being involved in whatever is happening around her. Canine Partners did an amazing job match us and looking back, saying yes to being partnered with her was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Regaining her independence
Laura and Judith share a private section of their parents’ house. Before having a Canine Partner, she admits she didn’t leave the house without someone with her, even when going to concerts, travelling to the shops, or to her job as an After-school Club Supervisor.
“Having Kelsey has encouraged me to get out of the house, whether it’s going to the park, walking around the village, or just getting some fresh air. It’s good for her, as well as for me. It’s improved my physical and mental health.”
Making a difference
Kelsey provides Laura with the practical support she needs. Picking up items she’s dropped, opening doors, fetching her glasses or water bottle, and getting things off shelves in shops are the everyday tasks that Laura says make ‘a huge difference’.
Kelsey has also been trained to press light switches and disabled access buttons, collect items that Laura points at with a stick pointer, unpack shopping, and even tap a card reader to pay in a shop.
When you live with a disability, there can be lots of challenges and frustrations. Having Kelsey there provides me with comfort and reassurance. She’s always nearby and always ready to help
Transforming her family’s life
Kelsey has become a vital part of the family and has impacted all of their lives in so many positive ways.
“My dad works hard but has always found the time to help me. Having Kelsey means I don’t have to ask him for help as much; and means we can just enjoy being a family together.”
Although people used to get Laura and Judith mixed up when they were younger, Canine Partner, Kelsey, doesn’t have that problem. “Kelsey knows Judith very well, but never gets us mixed up. She knows she’s there to help me.”
Continuing to learn
Laura has worked as an After-school Club Supervisor since 2015. She says her work has helped her continue Kelsey’s training: “I love teaching her new skills”.
“Watching her learn and succeed is really rewarding. She’s not just helping me; she’s also given me a hobby and a shared activity we both enjoy.”
Laura also finds that Kelsey is a conversation starter – people are naturally interested in her and ask about her and Canine Partners. Laura is always happy to explain what she does and educate the public on how having an assistance dog helps people.
“People often see the practical tasks assistance dogs do, like picking things up, opening doors, fetching slippers, or helping with everyday activities. Those things are incredibly important, but the impact goes much deeper. They help with physical and mental wellbeing, independence, confidence, and getting into the local community. They’re not just highly trained assistance dogs; they’re companions too.”
Canine Partners create loving, life-changing partnerships, and Laura says the charity ‘does an incredible job of pairing people with the right dog’.
“Kelsey has fitted into my life perfectly, and I’m so grateful for everything she does.”