Canine Partners

This was a life changing accident for me and everything I knew before had now changed. It was a very tough time and coming to terms with my disability was not easy. I went back to college and finished my A levels and took up a university course.  I tried wheelchair badminton in 2008 and really enjoyed the sport and decided to take it up, which was a good decision as I have won various different medals and rose to being ranked 2nd in the country and 16th in the world. It was also through the badminton that I met my amazing wife.

It was through the badminton that I met a friend who had an assistance dog. I contacted Canine Partners and I remember having the phone call saying we think we have found you a partner. When I first met Tessie I instantly fell in love with her.

She just loves to work and is so intelligent; the way she can tell the difference with how to behave in different situations. Tessie loves trying her hand at any task I give her. She closes doors that I find difficult because I would have to manoeuvre my wheelchair. She is great at picking up dropped items and retrieving TV controls and phones for me, and she will now seek out my carer Bob if ever I need him for something.  Tessie will go and find him, whether it is down the garden or at the other end of the house, and let him know that I need him.

She makes a great companion and it takes the worry away from my parents and my wife because when I’m by myself I’m ok as I have Tessie. It is also great for my confidence and fitness as it gives me a reason to go out and have a long push in my wheelchair. Tessie loves doing this and it means I go out and interact with people. I’m also in the process of teaching her to push my wheelchair to me in case there is an incident where I fall out with no one around. She picks things up really quickly and just thinks working is a big game to her, but it’s really a great help to me.

Now I have Tessie, I can’t imagine life without her.  She is a great companion that is on hand to give me help if I require it, and gives me a purpose.  Without her I wouldn’t tend to go out as much; I would rather stay in the warm, but having her makes me want to go out and give her long walks and go places.

She has completed my family.