Hazel has Osteoporosis and Arthritis, meaning her bones break very easily and her joints don’t support her. “I can’t walk very far without getting out of breath, I break bones easily, and my joints don’t support me properly – I fall over a lot,” she explains. “I use a wheelchair most of the time.” 

After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, Hazel had to give up the activities she loved most. “I couldn’t horse ride anymore because my bones were too brittle and my asthma meant swimming was out too,” she says. “I then took up bowls, which I really enjoyed, but when I broke my back I had to stop that as well. My conditions affected everything in my life.” 

Even simple tasks like getting dressed or shutting the front door became exhausting. “I always had to have someone nearby in case I fell or needed help, even in the shower. I hated losing that independence.” 

Meeting Questa 

A friend with a Canine Partners assistance dog inspired Hazel to apply. In 2018 she was partnered with Questa who has transformed her life. “The first time I met her, she looked up at me with those big eyes and I just knew she was the one. We clicked instantly,” Hazel recalls. 

Questa quickly learned tasks tailored to Hazel’s needs – fetching the phone, closing doors, and bringing her nebuliser when she struggled to breathe. “Before Questa, I’d have needed an ambulance when I woke up breathless. But she was already at my side with the nebuliser ready. She’s saved me from so many emergencies.” 

With Questa by her side, Hazel gained more than independence, she found community and confidence. “We went to a local fun dog show and she won Reserve Best in Show on her very first try! That day started something new for us.” 

Soon, the pair were entering Rally competitions and making new friends. “Because of Questa, I got new hobbies, confidence and people in my life. She changed everything.” 

A new chapter with Tink 

After many devoted years, Questa retired, but Hazel’s journey with Canine Partners didn’t end there. She took part in our Applicant Owned Dog trial, a new initiative that allows suitable pet dogs to be trained as assistance dogs. 

Her beloved pet, Tink, joined the programme and in 2024 become a fully jacketed Canine Partners dog. 

“It’s been incredible watching Tink follow in Questa’s pawprints. She’s given me independence all over again. I never thought my own dog would become my next partner, but she’s been amazing.”