Canine Partners

But that was very much the risk last night! The giant of a man that is Chris Robshaw welcomed us to a night out with his Harlequins team mates, as part of his testimonial year in which he has chosen to benefit Canine Partners, alongside Walking with the Wounded, and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Renowned Harlequins and England rugby ace, Chris’s bicep bulged threateningly when he was simply lifting another pint to his lips, or posing for more photos with the hordes of guests who had all paid for the privilege of being present at such a special night. How often do you get the chance to rub shoulders with international rugby players, while watching our Team GB rugby boys see off South Africa in the Olympic semi finals, live on the big screens? (And obviously we didn’t actually attempt to rub shoulders, partly because it would have been weird, and partly because these people’s shoulders are far out of reach).

Anne, Charlotte, Vicky and I felt so honoured to be present, with our Canine Partners pop-up banners and leaflets, as it felt like being very much ‘on the inside’, on a very unique night. And goodness me, it puts our little charity on the map, to be championed by someone like Chris Robshaw. The main star of the show, though, was young canine partner in training Ulla, carefully handled by Vicky as she posed for nearly as many photos as Chris. And of course Chris and his team mates wanted to see what she was learning, which Ulla was only too happy to show off. Ulla is in her advanced training stage at the moment, having recently completed her puppy training phase with puppy parent Jill.

Riley’s Sports Bar was absolutely packed, both upstairs and down, as Chris bustled around making sure everyone had a chance for a chat, and for a photo, and to bid for various rugby-related memorabilia such as England and Harlequins rugby kits from previous seasons. Raffle tickets were bought widely, as the winners won the opportunity to play against Chris and his team mates in various bar games such as ping pong and table football. Another highlight was a Q&A session with Chris and his mates, which gave a real insight into their personal thoughts about the coming season.

The sole aim of the evening was to raise money for Chris’ chosen charities – how brilliant is that?!

We eventually wended our way back down to Sussex with big smiles on our faces, and Ulla slept like a log in the back. (In all honesty, so did Anne and Vicky).

The money that Chris donates to Canine Partners will go towards changing more people’s lives – and so it is apt that as I write this, our Els has just waved off another group of partners as they head home with their newly matched dogs, having completed their residential two week course with us.  We wish them luck as they start the next chapter in their lives.

Andy