International Day of Education: Meet Tracy and canine partner, Smartie 

Education should be accessible to everyone, no matter their age, disability, or life circumstances. On International Day of Education, we celebrate what’s possible when barriers are removed and the right support is in place. 

Tracy’s journey is a powerful example of how assistance dogs can transform lives, opening doors to independence, confidence, and opportunities that once felt out of reach. 

Meet Tracy 

At 29, Tracy was a sporty, outgoing retail manager, who had her whole life ahead of her. But a serious accident at work changed everything. She fell through a shop floor into a cellar, shattering her ankle and injuring her spine. Months in casts brought complex regional pain syndrome, leaving her in constant pain. 

Since that day, she has relied on a wheelchair. “One moment changed everything. I used to play rugby. I was busy, active, independent. Suddenly, I couldn’t do anything,” Tracy recalled. 

The years that followed were extremely tough. Tracy had to learn to manage chronic pain, navigate life in a wheelchair, and accept that her future would be very different from what she had imagined. “The first year, I thought my life was over. It took three years before I could start accepting what had happened and begin living again,” she said. 

Her husband Damien became her main carer, which impacted their relationship. “When your partner becomes your carer, it changes everything. We stopped relating to each other as husband and wife,” Tracy explains. 

Finding independence through assistance dogs 

Five years after her accident, Tracy discovered Canine Partners. In 2013, she was partnered with her first assistance dog, Chloe, a Labrador cross Golden Retriever. Chloe’s support transformed Tracy’s life, restoring the independence she had lost. 

When Chloe retired, Canine Partners’ lifetime support ensured Tracy was partnered with a second assistance dog in 2021 – Smartie, a yellow Labrador. Like Chloe, Smartie helps with everyday tasks such as undressing, loading the washing machine, opening and closing doors, and retrieving items from shelves.  

But Chloe and Smartie’s impact have gone far beyond practical support. They gave Tracy the confidence to embrace new challenges and take control of her life again. 

Returning to education 

With Chloe and Smartie by her side, Tracy realised her world didn’t have to be small. “I’d fallen into a routine of shopping, home, TV, bed. I knew I couldn’t let my injury define the rest of my life,” she said. 

Inspired by a long-standing interest in criminology and forensic science, Tracy returned to education. After completing her GCSEs and an access course, she enrolled at university at the age of 50 to study BSc Forensic Investigation 

After more than three decades out of education, starting university with an assistance dog was daunting. “Being older and in a wheelchair was intimidating, but knowing Smartie was there, that she could pick things up if I dropped them and that I wouldn’t be a burden, made all the difference. She gave me the confidence to feel seen and like I belonged,” Tracy said. 

Smartie attended lectures, seminars and exams, quietly supporting Tracy while also helping her connect with others “Being in a wheelchair can be isolating. People don’t always know how to approach you, but an assistance dog changes that. Smartie opens doors, not just physically but socially,” Tracy explained. 

Achieving a life-long goal 

In 2025, after three years of study, Tracy graduated with Smartie by her side. “The university offered to get her a cap and gown, but I wanted her to wear her purple Canine Partners jacket. The charity made my education possible, and they deserved to be part of that moment,” Tracy said.  

While completing her degree wasn’t primarily for employment, it was a bucket-list achievement for Tracy– a personal goal she had long dreamed of fulfilling. Since graduating, Tracy has published a memoir, sharing her journey and inspiring others to overcome challenges.  

How you can help more people like Tracy 

Tracy’s story shows how the right support can change lives, even in the most difficult circumstances. “On bad pain days, Smartie is there. She’s a wonderful distraction and a constant source of comfort. I couldn’t live without her.” Tracy added.  

With your support, Canine Partners can help more people gain independence and confidence. Every donation trains life-changing assistance dogs, opening doors to new opportunities, supporting access to education and work, and above all, giving disabled people the freedom to live life on their own terms.