My name is Jess, I have various disabilities that affect my balance and ability to walk far without an aid. I regularly drop things, especially when I’m more tired as fatigue is a big part of a lot of my conditions.

Before having a canine partner, I needed my mum’s help a lot. I realised I could save energy by having an assistance dog that could do the tasks I needed, so I applied for a canine partner as it meant that I could be more independent. I had been in hospital a lot and my confidence was at an all-time low because of new diagnoses. I had grown up with having family dogs and I loved them, so the thought of having something to get me up gave me something to live for.

When I first met black Flat Coated Retriever, Xenna, I was instantly in love. I knew that this girl and I would be great together, so I was pleased we were a match! Xenna, as my first canine partner, was just what I needed at the time. I needed to grow in confidence and Xen made me talk to people and helped me to get out into the world. Psychologically, Xen was a huge asset to me.

Both dogs have had very different personalities. Xolani, my second canine partner, is not as people-orientated but she is extremely cheeky and a live wire! As I have become less able to do things, Xolani is there super-fast to do jobs for me. The food is not the reason, I’m sure!

Our daily routine has changed since I had Xenna, as I now regularly work 10 hours a week. Being able to work is an example of where having my first canine partner got me! I now work teaching football to children and adults with disabilities, so they are potential future recipients of one of these dogs. They can see what Xolani does for me and how I have managed to achieve so much with her help, so seeing us together could encourage them for their futures.

As mentioned previously, fatigue is a big part of my struggles along with pain. Since also being diagnosed with long covid, I now struggle even more. Xolani helps with daily tasks such as getting the washing out of the washing machine and picking things up. She tidies up her bowl by putting it in the drawer and at work she picks items up at the end of a session. I never thought I would return to work, so to be in a position to do what I love with my canine partner helping me is amazing. Xolani also makes everyone’s day by coming with me!

Life with a canine partner

Life My confidence continues to grow and I’m doing things I would never even of dreamt possible. I have run education sessions on disabilities and also worked in other scenarios telling my story. I used to hate talking to more than one person, let alone a whole room! This is where Xenna got me in her time as my canine partner, she really helped to build my confidence and I’ve vowed to continue in her memory. The goals I have now feel more believable and achievable.

The difference having a canine partner has had on my family is massive. They know I’m not struggling and can see how happy and confident I am now. I believe that has a knock on affect for my family. Xolani, like Xenna before her, is well and truly a family member.

Continued learning and support

The support from the charity’s Aftercare Team is a big part of the growth in the relationship between myself and both my canine partners. Learning about the dogs’ personalities and the breeds is massive – a Flat Coated Retriever is very different to a Labrador! I’ve been learning how to work with Xolani to get the best out of her, in a different way to how I had to work with Xenna. Having the support from Aftercare when Xenna retired and then sadly passed away was also really important, and they then helped my relationship with Xolani going forward. I think achieving anything I’ve been taught by Aftercare is always such a lovely feeling. The bond between Xolani and I has grown as she’s learnt to trust me with their support.

I had a fair while without an assistance dog due to Xenna’s ill health and, consequently, retirement while I was on the waiting list for a successor dog. This time without a canine partner was tough, as I noticed I had my mum helping me out far more again as I had to do everything myself. For example, if I was picking up after myself more often I then struggled more with fatigue, so was unable to do bed making or washing without a massive struggle. You don’t realise how much the small jobs your canine partner does helps you achieve the big things until they aren’t there to do it. Having my girl Xolani by my side helps me achieve so much and I believe I have set higher goals to push myself. I never thought this was possible, so these dogs really are life changers.

Your donations help us to keep transforming lives by training our amazing life-changing dogs and providing specialist support for new partnerships. Find out more about how you can support Canine Partners this summer by visiting caninepartners.org.uk/summer-support