Ronnie is the charity’s Puppy Training Manager, and Ann is a Partnership trainer working with our canine partner assistance dogs and their human partners in their homes and communities.

In March 2012, the couple packed their bags and left our then Southern Training Centre near Midhurst, West Sussex, to start up what is now known as our National Training Centre in Osgathorpe, Leicestershire. The site was previously a derelict pig farm and needed a complete remodel to make it the state-of-the-art training centre it is today.

“Initially, we lived onsite and helped to recruit volunteers and grow awareness of the charity in the Midlands area,” says Ann, who has worked for the charity for 18 years.
“I have very fond memories of working with partners both on their partnership courses and now as a Partnership Trainer, as I moved to the Partnership Team in 2020. Another memorable time was working with a partner and the incredible relationship they had, being able to proudly support them at a book signing and TV appearance, after the partner wrote a book about her assistance dog.”

From demonstrating what our amazing dogs can do with their late Dog Ambassador, Erin, at Crufts in 2016, to being involved with the training of countless puppies and dogs who have gone on to be canine partner assistance dogs – Ronnie and Ann have had a huge impact on Canine Partners for a huge part of our 35 years.

“Our biggest event was with our Dog Ambassador, Erin who has sadly passed away since, in 2016 at Crufts. She happily carried a collection bucket around the ring following any demonstrations and she even got to meet Clare Balding.” Says Ronnie, reminiscing about his favourite times working for Canine Partners.

Ronnie and Ann have been deeply involved with the puppies and dogs in training at Canine Partners, many of which have successfully become assistance dogs. They both highlight the profound impact of their work with Canine Partners, emphasising the incredible transformations they witness.

“One of the best things about working for the charity is seeing the transformation our dogs make, this never ceases to amaze and inspire me,” says Ann.
“If I haven’t seen a partner for a little while or if I’ve seen them at the start of their partnership and then again a few years later, I often think they look so full of confidence.”

Similarly, Ronnie finds immense reward in the collaborative effort of staff and volunteers, who nurture puppies into skilled canine partners.

“One of the best things about working for Canine Partners is being around so many people who genuinely care about their roles, whether as a member of staff or a volunteer,” says Ronnie.
“Being part of a process that allows us to develop a puppy, watching them grow and progress with their Puppy Training Volunteer, who is also continuously improving their own training skills, is incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see these pups transform into canine partners, helping and supporting our partnerships.”

Together, their experiences show the dedication and passion that drive the charity’s mission, creating life-changing partnerships between humans and dogs.

When talking about the future of Canine Partners, both Ann and Ronnie say the same thing: They have hope that Canine Partners continues to grow to be able to help as many disabled people as possible.

Help us celebrate our 35th anniversary

Join us at events across the UK to celebrate our 35th anniversary this June. Find out more here.