Trigger warning: This article contains descriptions of depression and mentions of suicide

My name is Jackie, and going to share the story of my incredible canine partner, Kingston. For eight wonderful years, Kingston was right by my side, saving my life more times than I can count. Sadly, he passed away in July, and my heart is broken. With Christmas coming up, I find myself missing him even more.

From Independence to Isolation 

They say Christmas is ‘the most wonderful time of the year,’ but after sustaining life-changing injuries at work, it became anything but wonderful for me. Back in 2007, while I was working as a Metropolitan Police officer, I was attacked on duty and suffered a traumatic head injury. I was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome and Spinal Stenosis, which meant I had to start using a wheelchair full-time. Suddenly, my independence was gone. I had to rely on 24-hour care and felt like a burden to my family. The daily physical pain and the inability to do simple tasks really took a toll on my mental health. All I could think about was ending my life.

Feeling alone and isolated at Christmas 

That first Christmas after my injury was really tough. Even though I was surrounded by people, I felt isolated and alone, stuck in my wheelchair. I couldn’t do things like Christmas shopping or seeing the lights by myself anymore. I might have looked fine to friends and family, but I was struggling with depression. I put on a brave face, but inside, I felt lost and alone.

The moment my life changed

I’ll never forget 12 October 2015, the day I was partnered with Kingston. Our bond was instant, and he changed my life forever. Kingston could do almost anything. He helped me with daily tasks likegetting dressed, doing laundry, and grocery shopping. With his help, I began to regain my independence and confidence.

Our first Christmas together 

My first Christmas with Kingston was unforgettable. Just two days before Christmas, my Personal Assistant quit, leaving me without care. Kingston stepped in, helping me with everything, from Christmas shopping to opening presents. We even stopped at the Christmas lights for a hot chocolate. Kingston made me feel part of the Christmas festivities again. He saved my Christmas.

Christmas traditions  

During Christmas 2017, we started volunteering for the homeless, making it a yearly tradition. Kingston, dressed in his Santa Paws suit, would help distribute care packages filled with hygiene items, hats, scarves, and treats for dogs. He personally handed out these packages to homeless individuals, many of whom had dogs themselves. A black Labrador with a giant heart, he let everyone know they were going to be okay.

Kingston’s passing

On 10 June 2024, my vet diagnosed Kingston with terminal kidney cancer. From that day on, every second became precious, and I made sure to tell him I loved him every day. He officially retired as my assistance dog but remained dedicated until the end.

Looking ahead with hope

Life without Kingston feels unimaginable. He was a huge part of my life, and his absence leaves a big hole in my heart. I’ll rely on family and friends for support, but it won’t be the same. I’m waiting for a successor dog, but I know it will be a long wait.

I’m still hopeful about the future, thanks to Kingston. I’ll continue to spread awareness of Canine Partners’ life-changing work and share my story in tribute to Kingston’s enormous impact on my life. There are people on the waiting list who desperately need a canine partner to help with everyday tasks and feel less isolated, not just at Christmas, but all year round.

Thank you for reading my story. With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,  

Jackie Kennedy 

 

Click the buttons below to donate, and find volunteering or fundraising opportunities here at Canine Partners. With your help, we can continue to create life-changing partnerships like Jackie and Kingston.

 

We all know how hard it is to lose a pet. Now imagine losing your best friend who also helps you with daily tasks, like getting dressed and opening doors.

Saying goodbye to a retiring assistance dog can be heartbreaking and incredibly tough for their partners who rely on them daily. It can mean needing more help, both financially and personally, which is why we talk to partners about future options around their dog’s eighth birthday. This helps to make the adjustment a little bit easier when their canine partner officially retires at 12.

Martin, a full-time wheelchair user, lived with a spinal cord injury for 27 years. Despite facing these challenges, he waited several years before applying for an assistance dog. He relied heavily on his wife, Pam, for everyday tasks. He felt isolated and frustrated, often finding reasons not to go out.

Then, having finally applied for a canine partner in 2013, came Keith, a gorgeous yellow Lab with a pink nose. Martin says it was love at first sight.

Keith became his lifeline, helping him regain his independence and confidence. He retrieved dropped items, opened doors, and even helped Martin dress. As a teacher, Keith made navigating the college environment much easier for Martin.

But after 10 years, it was time for Keith to retire. We helped Martin adjust by gradually reducing Keith’s workload. We also discussed post-retirement options. Pam decided to adopt Keith, while Martin plans to apply for a new (what we call ‘successor’) canine partner. Keith’s retirement ceremony was held in March. Keith received a well-deserved certificate and officially returned his working jacket to us. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

Not only did Keith change Martin’s life but he helped my wellbeing. I felt I could leave them together and know that Keith would be by his side and Martin was in safe paws.

-Pam, Martin’s wife

Click the buttons below to donate, and find volunteering or fundraising opportunities here at Canine Partners. With your help, we can continue to create life-changing partnerships like Martin and Keith.

 

This holiday season, we had the joy of hosting three incredible Christmas carol services in London, Loughborough, and Arundel, each with their own special guest speaker (Dame Joanna Lumley DBE, Best-selling author Philippa Gregory and Paralympian Hannah Stodel) offering a unique way to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Our family-friendly services were filled with singing, laughter, and interactive moments with our amazing dogs.

Below are some stunning photos of our favourite moments.

Below is Philippa Gregory’s original poem as read at our Loughborough Carol Service:

The Guiding Star

And was there a puppy? That night in Bethlehem

When the ox knelt down to the manger of hay?

There was a donkey we know – for he bore our Lady

Nazareth to Bethlehem all the long away.

There was a lamb white and fluffy – the shepherds

Had carried her, Warm in their arms from the hills to the town.

But was there a puppy – Wouldn’t someone have said so?

With eyes bright as buttons? And fur like swansdown?

Really there must have been – maybe a guard dog

Swarmed on his belly to peep in the door,

Watching over the God-given baby,

His tail softly stirring, his nose on his paws

There were Camels with kings

Riding  from Persia, Travelling at night,

it was so hot by day.

They had a guide dog – they must have had one

Tracking through desert, and down dusty ways.

Of course a dog led them  – what other creature

Would be so faithful and travel so far?

They trusted and followed, wherever he took them

A  puppy so brilliant that they called him Star.

 

Below is the poem read by Bethann Siviter with canine partner Ruben:

The Gift of Partnership 

As Santa came bearing his sack, with great joy
to leave for good children a book or a toy.
a bag full of sweeties would go over well
so he packs in the gifts ‘til the stockings all swell.

Then he notices, quiet, a little pup sits
watching intently as he laid out the gifts.
Santa sees his tail and sweet clever eyes
“And what would you like for a Christmas surprise?”

I could give you a bone, full of nice meat
I could give you some biscuits, savoury and sweet.
a plush little bunny to snuggle and chew
tell me, sweet puppy, what can Santa give you?

The puppy thought long, to answer the Saint
(but Santa is loving, and didn’t mind the slight wait)
the puppy furrowed his brows, as he thought harder and harder
then his eyes light up “Santa, I want a partner!”

“I want to be a helper, who makes  a life good
for a friend who loves me like a real best friend should
I want to help them be safe, and do all things with ease,
Can I be a helper dog, dear Santa, please?”

Santa smiled very broadly, his eyes brimmed with pride
and rummaged in his bag for something special inside.
then his hand found its target- he knew he had cracked it
he helped the puppy to wear a sweet purple jacket.
 

Dear puppy, you are destined for a special fate
you’re not ready yet, there’s a bit of a wait.
but when you are ready, if you work very hard
then being a partner is right on the cards.

The pup wagged his tail with absolute joy
much better than biscuits, better than toys
to wear his jacket with pride and a grin
as he worked alongside his very best friend.

Then it was time, Santa had places to go
he went up the chimney in a sparkling glow
and the pup was left dreaming of the help he would give
to help a disabled person better to live.

Then Santa arrived at the next home on his books
but sadness and heartache were everywhere he looked
an empty dog basket, a collar without a tag
Santa knew the perfect gift to take from his bag.

So he sprinkled some dream dust as the person did sleep
to show them the pup that one day they would keep.
who would help them, support them, with love, every day.
and the promise that their pup was well on his way.

When she awoke, the darkness was light
and her dream showed her it would be alright.
Where once there was sadness, now there was hope
where once there was struggle, now she could cope.
She felt the burden was lifted, she knew he’d be there
to make a good life that as partners they’d share.

Were you Santa’s helper along this pup’s many years?
A staff member, or one of our precious volunteers?
Did you teach that pup what it needed to know
so off with a person as a partner he’d go?

Did you send your spare pennies to help pay the way?
did you tend him and feed him for so many days?
Loving him but knowing he’d have to move on?
Knowing you’d miss him when he was gone?

All because you knew there was a person in need
so instead of holding on you wished him Godspeed.
What an amazing gift to be able to give.
a pup to help someone who struggles, to live.

We send out our thanks, to our friends, one and all
because we cried out for help, and you answered our call.
The gift we receive, with 4 paws and cold nose
is the best gift we can hope for, as all partners know!

At Christmas, we say that Santa is the gift giving saint
but I guess I realise, that Santa it ain’t.
it’s all of you, who get the dogs to walk by our side
so to all of you, we wish a Merry Yule Tide!

May your joys be abundant, your worries be few
may love, health and prosperity all surround you.
may you be comforted by knowing, wherever that pup will be
he will change the life of a person who needs him, like me.

For those who have their partner today
special loving wishes are sent on their way
to keep you both healthy, and happy, as you walk together
when with your dog there is sunshine, no matter the weather!

For those who are waiting, I pray it will not be long
until those paws come running along
to make your life brighter, to make your heart sing
with all of the help that your partner will bring.

Together we share something precious you see.
precious to you, and precious to me.
More than just dogs, we share love and respect
things we always hope for, but learn not to expect.
We work together, supporting each, in our own way
each gives what they can, and tries every day
to think of another and not just ourselves
Making dreams come true as purple-clad elves! 

Janet, from Bristol, has pledged to leave a gift in her Will to Canine Partners

Ian was one of the first people to have a canine partner when the charity was established in the 1990s. His mum Janet has pledged to leave a gift in her Will to Canine Partners and says:

“My son, Ian, was 19 when he had his accident. After six months in the spinal unit, he came home to us. Life was very difficult as Ian no longer had mobility below his arms and relied on an electric wheelchair. You could see there was an instant bond between Ian and Alex.

Alex revolutionised Ian’s life in so many ways. He helped him dress and gave him the confidence to venture out independently again. Alex would grab items like a tin of soup and add them to the shopping trolley. He was even able to pay the cashier by standing on his hind legs – all day-to-day activities that Ian had lost the ability to do. My son died in 2010, and we have been donating ever since. When I eventually pass away, Canine Partners are getting a share of my estate.”

 

 

 

We have recently partnered with Farewill who provide a professional Will writing service online or via the telephone.

We are delighted to offer valued supporters of Canine Partners the opportunity to write your Will for free online or via the phone, simply click here to find out more or you can speak to one of Farewill’s friendly, professional solicitors by calling 020 8016 3905 and quoting ‘cp-phone’.