Trigger warning: This article contains descriptions of depression and mentions of suicide
My name is Jackie, and I’m writing to you to share the story of my incredible canine partner, Kingston. For eight wonderful years, Kingston was right by my side, saving my life more times than I can count. Sadly, he passed away in July, and my heart is broken. With Christmas coming up, I find myself missing him even more.
Your donation today can help train more life-changing assistance dogs for people like me.
From Independence to Isolation
They say Christmas is ‘the most wonderful time of the year,’ but after sustaining life-changing injuries at work, it became anything but wonderful for me. Back in 2007, while I was working as a Metropolitan Police officer, I was attacked on duty and suffered a traumatic head injury. I was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome and Spinal Stenosis, which meant I had to start using a wheelchair full-time. Suddenly, my independence was gone. I had to rely on 24-hour care and felt like a burden to my family. The daily physical pain and the inability to do simple tasks really took a toll on my mental health. All I could think about was ending my life.
Feeling alone and isolated at Christmas
That first Christmas after my injury was really tough. Even though I was surrounded by people, I felt isolated and alone, stuck in my wheelchair. I couldn’t do things like Christmas shopping or seeing the lights by myself anymore. I might have looked fine to friends and family, but I was struggling with depression. I put on a brave face, but inside, I felt lost and alone.
Christmas felt quite lonely, even though I was surrounded by people.
The moment my life changed
I’ll never forget 12 October 2015, the day I was partnered with Kingston. Our bond was instant, and he changed my life forever. Kingston could do almost anything. He helped me with daily tasks like
getting dressed, doing laundry, and grocery shopping. With his help, I began to regain my independence and confidence.
Click here to help fund more life-changers like Kingston
Our first Christmas together
My first Christmas with Kingston was unforgettable. Just two days before Christmas, my Personal Assistant quit, leaving me without care. Kingston stepped in, helping me with everything, from Christmas shopping to opening presents. We even stopped at the Christmas lights for a hot chocolate. Kingston made me feel part of the Christmas festivities again. He saved my Christmas.
I felt more connected, more present, and far less isolated. He was my gift.
You can make a real difference by funding life-changing partnerships that reduce isolation, not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Christmas traditions
During Christmas 2017, we started volunteering for the homeless, making it a yearly tradition. Kingston, dressed in his Santa Paws suit, would help distribute care packages filled with hygiene items, hats, scarves, and treats for dogs. He personally handed out these packages to homeless individuals, many of whom had dogs themselves. A black Labrador with a giant heart, he let everyone know they were going to be okay
We had eight joyful Christmases together.
Kingston’s passing
On 10 June 2024, my vet diagnosed Kingston with terminal kidney cancer. From that day on, every second became precious, and I made sure to tell him I loved him every day. He officially retired as my assistance dog but remained dedicated until the end.
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Looking ahead with hope
Life without Kingston feels unimaginable. He was a huge part of my life,
and his absence leaves a big hole in my heart. I’ll rely on family and friends for support, but it won’t be the same. I’m waiting for a successor dog, but I know it will be a long wait.
I’m still hopeful about the future, thanks to Kingston. I’ll continue to spread awareness of Canine Partners’ life-changing work and share my story in tribute to Kingston’s enormous impact on my life. There are people on the waiting list who desperately need a canine partner to help with everyday tasks and feel less isolated, not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Thank you for reading my story.
With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,
Jackie Kennedy
With the rising cost of living and the growing demand for Canine Partners’ services, YOUR donation this festive season is essential to ensure more people can receive a life-changing dog like Kingston.
Read more heartfelt stories like this in our latest edition of Let’s Go! magazine. Click here to download or view the digital flipbook below.