In 1999, Steph was newly divorced with three disabled children to look after whilst having the same disability herself. Her life was transformed when she was partnered with her first canine partner, Frodo. This is her story:

“My neurological condition is called Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) and it is exceedingly rare. I had late onset, so we didn’t initially have any idea what it was. I also had spinal problems that forced me to have surgery and retire early from my job as a Social Worker. HSP is a rare progressive neurological condition that is like Multiple Sclerosis, so I have good days and bad days as well as issues with my balance.

“All of my three children have the same condition and looking after them on my own wasn’t easy. My life just revolved around disability, trying to deal with day-to-day life was hard and I was finding it to be increasingly difficult. I was always relying on someone to do something as I could not manage by myself. I had to have carers in for my personal care and for my eldest daughter, as well as to help me around the house.

“I had heard that there were dogs out there that helped people with physical disabilities, so I went to the library and found information about Canine Partners.  When I first applied for a canine partner there were only about 20 partnerships in place, as the charity was in its infancy. Since then, I have had three canine partners and I’ve watched Canine Partners grow from strength to strength.”

Meeting Frodo

“My first canine partner, Frodo, was a huge bear of a chocolate Labrador, and his coming into my life was phenomenal. We had such a connection, he transformed my life, won lots of awards, and gave myself and my children their lives back. They knew that Frodo would look after me which meant that they did not have to worry about me all day. Because of Frodo I met John, now my husband, as having a canine partner gave me the confidence to sign up to a dating agency. Frodo instinctively knew John was the right person and took to him immediately, settling down across our feet. He changed my life totally.

“Frodo was ring bearer at our wedding, with a matching waistcoat and bowtie to the groom. He was my canine partner for 10 years before he retired for some more fun with John for two years and he then passed at the ripe old age of 14.”

Then along came Elmo

“Frodo changed my life so much that I could never change back to being without a canine partner. When Frodo retired I was partnered with Elmo, a yellow Labrador X Golden Retriever. Frodo kept a close eye on him for six months until he was happy Elmo knew how things were done for me! The short time of not having a canine partner between Frodo and Elmo was horrible, as I had to ask a person to help me again, but it made me realise how having a canine partner makes such a huge difference.

“I had very mixed emotions when I met Elmo but my feelings grew and we developed a really strong bond, it just took a bit longer as I was so used to Frodo being there and he was my first. Elmo was quite a different character to Frodo, very laid back and calm but always there for me and doing what Frodo did but with his own style. He was very focused on me and was never distracted by people trying to fuss him. Canine Partners supported me through the transition with aftercare when needed. Elmo retired at 10 and is currently living with my daughter.”

Introducing Wisteria

“In June 2017 I met my current canine partner Wisteria, affectionately known as Wisty. She is a yellow Labrador and is the smallest dog I have had but she is so full of life. She just loves everybody, and we have a really close bond. She’s very pretty and very keen to help, with a super fun personality. All of the dogs have tended to my needs, but all in their own way, they are not robots and have individual personalities which makes them special.

“Wisty will get my crutches, put the washing in and out of the machine and will then pull the washing over to the tumble dryer and then load the washing and shut the door. When we come in from her walk she helps me get undressed, unzipping my boots and tugging them off. Then she takes my padded trousers off and opens the cupboard, puts the boots in and pushes the door shut, after bringing me my slippers. In shops she’ll pass my purse to the cashier, take my card out of the card reader, get things off the shelf and put them in the basket. She also picks things up for me when I drop them, wherever that may be. A carer will get fed up after the tenth time, but a canine partner is happy to pick it up every time.”

Life with a canine partner

“Each of my canine partners have had their own special qualities, but they have all given me my independence back as with a canine partner I haven’t got to wait for someone to help me.

“I don’t know where my life would be if I hadn’t had a canine partner, as they change and enrich your life for the better. Being independent again and having that emotional support is priceless. It’s been one of the best things that I have done in my life. If you are having a really bad day, there is nothing better than having a cuddle with your dog. Each of my canine partners have been happy to cuddle with me and if I am unwell in bed that is where they each would stay until I was ready to get up. It’s not because they have to be there, it’s because they want to support you.”

Like Frodo, Elmo and Wisteria, our amazing dogs have been a lifeline to their partner, and never more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Please click here to donate today and help us to continue transforming lives like Steph’s.

Rosie was partnered with canine partner Barnabus in February 2013. This is her story:

Just before I turned 12 years old I was diagnosed with a very painful, rare and debilitating condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and a neurological disease called Dystonia, which contorts my body into awkward and painful positions from muscle spasms. My diagnosis followed a year of agonising uncertainty, hospitalisations and horrible unknown symptoms. After getting these rare conditions, I lost friends and fell into a deep depression as I was left as a full-time wheelchair user and dependent on 24 hour care. I felt as though I wasn’t living, I was just existing.

My condition worsened and it started to affect my whole body. By the age of 13 I could not move voluntarily at all. I was bedridden and had to be tube-fed. I felt trapped in my own body – it had become a cage from which I could not access the normal teenage life that I so longed for. Three years later, when I was just 16, I underwent experimental brain surgery in the hope of regaining some movement and reducing my pain levels. I needed a lot of recovery time after the operation, as CRPS sufferers don’t do well with any type of surgery, but after about a year and a half the treatment gradually started to work and I began regaining tiny amounts of movement.

After a long time struggling, and being determined to be independent, I applied to Canine Partners for an assistance dog. I was told I was being placed on a waiting list but this gave me the time and motivation to work on gaining enough movement to be able to look after a dog. Before getting my canine partner, I had to be washed and dressed by carers and if I needed, wanted or dropped anything other people had to help me. I never went out by myself due to fear and the thought of having spasms or something going wrong. I felt stuck. My confidence and self-esteem were at rock bottom, and  the very thought of being alone outside terrified me.

Being inside so much at home and knowing that I needed more movement to be able to care for a dog, I spent a lot of time doing physiotherapy. The hard work paid off as gradually I gained more movement in my upper body – something I would not have had the motivation to do if it wasn’t for the possibility of getting a canine partner, as the pain was excruciating.  Knowing I’d soon have help from a canine partner gave me the confidence and incentive to apply to Falmouth University. My life was brightening up with just the thought of being partnered with an assistance dog – little did I know how much actually having a canine partner would change my life.

Life with Barnabus

It was late 2012 when I got the call I’d been longing for – Canine Partners had found a dog for me, a handsome chocolate Labrador called Barnabus. Since that moment we have been inseparable. Barnabus helps me so much. Besides picking up anything I drop and giving it back to me, he also opens and closes doors, drawers and windows; he helps me dress and undress, and he gets my medication bag. He will wipe the floor with a cloth, get items off a shop shelf, and will bring me the phone when it rings. He undoes the foot straps on my wheelchair, takes off my socks and shoes, and will flush the toilet. He will bring me anything I ask him to, will put things away for me, and he uses the ATM. He enables me to be so much more independent and gives my family peace of mind that I will be okay when I’m on my own.

In 2014, a few months after I had moved into my own flat and I was alone with Barnabus, there was a gap before my next PA arrived. I started to have dystonic spasms which can be extremely strong. On this occasion, the restraining strap on my wheelchair broke and I was thrown onto the floor. It was really scary and Barnabus lay on top of me to stop me hurting myself, something which he does instinctively and has not been trained to do. As soon as the spasms stopped he ran to the phone and gave it to me so I could call for help. By this time I was panicking and in extreme pain. My body was slumped awkwardly on the cold, hard floor and my right foot was twisted and still attached the strap on my wheelchair footplate. I couldn’t undo it but Barnabus could without a problem. I then asked him to fetch cushions from the sofa, my medication bag from the bedroom, and a drink which was on the work-surface behind my wheelchair. It was made even harder by all his treats that had spilt out of my lap-bag when I had fallen, but he did it! He then lay by my side until help came. The situation would have been a lot worse if Barnabus hadn’t been there to help me.

Adapting to life during the Covid-19 pandemic

I am currently shielding due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as I am high risk because of my conditions and extremely vulnerable as I take immunosuppressant medication. I find it worrying that I am high risk, but know that the people around me are very caring and sensible so I feel safe. I am finding it hard to be shielding as not being able to go out is very frustrating. Barnabus is helping me get through it with a smile on my face most days, and he always cheers me up when I am finding things difficult. I am so grateful for his unwavering support.

Shielding has stopped me from being able to go to get my shopping, but I have priority delivery from supermarkets, I get food parcels, and my carers can go out to get emergency supplies if needs be. I am safe with Barnabus at home because with him I can be left alone without human support. Some days I feel quite trapped in my home. Barnabus is my best friend, my confidant, my independence and my world. He has physically enabled me to have a much better quality of life, but emotionally he has made me realise that I still want that life to live.

Barnabus has made me whole again and he loves his job wholeheartedly. Now, instead of being the one who is cared for, I have a responsibility to care for Barnabus. I feel as though I have a purpose in life again – I feel useful not useless. I haven’t had the paramedics out for my spasms for years because of his devoted support. Having a canine partner has turned my life around, from being a place where there seemed to be no point in living, to living a life that feels full and has a future where anything is possible. I am not exaggerating when I say that Barnabus has saved my life.

We need your support now, more than ever to train amazing assistance dogs for people living with physical disabilities across the UK. Help us to train the amazing dogs of the future, so they are able to be a lifeline, whatever challenges lie ahead. Please donate here.

Faye was partnered with canine partner Odile in April 2014. This is her story:

My name is Faye. I’m 28 years old and have severe Cerebral Palsy, meaning that I use a wheelchair permanently as a result. I have no use in my right hand and limited use in my left.

In 2011, I decided to move out of my parents’ house and live on my own. Even though I need a lot of physical support from people, this is something that I’ve always wanted to do. On 2 January 2012 I achieved that dream and moved into my own bungalow, supported by a team of Personal Assistants.

Despite being independent from my parents, I still had to ask my PAs to do things like pass me the remote control or pick up anything that I had dropped. I also needed them to be my shadow when going out as I had never felt confident enough to do this on my own, and they also had to pass my purse to cashiers in shops and take goods from them on my behalf.

Applying for a canine partner

I was enjoying my life in my new home, but felt as though I wanted to do more for myself and not rely so heavily on others for support, so I decided to bite the bullet and apply for a canine partner.  I had seen the wonderful work that these dogs do on various television programmes and I wondered if one would be suitable for me. The application process is long, but very necessary and thorough. The two-year wait for a match felt like two centuries!

I’ll never forget the day that my Advanced Trainer phoned to tell me that they had found a potential match for me. I put the phone down and was literally shaking with excitement. The matching visit had been planned for the following week, but even that felt like it took forever to arrive! I went to the centre, and my mum and I were told to wait for my potential partner. I was a bag of nerves, but before I knew it, a ginger ball of fur bounced into the room and put me at ease straight away.

Since that moment I have been in love with Odile. I wasn’t really a dog lover until I met her, but now I’m completely smitten. Even the simplest thing, like Odile picking up a dropped item, has made the biggest difference to me because I don’t have to ask one of my PAs to do it anymore. She is so enthusiastic when it comes to tasks; I have never known anyone so eager to take my coat off for me! She loves the reaction that she gets and every completed task is followed by a content wag of the tail as if to say: “Yes, I’ve done a good job!”

Life with Odile

Odile has recently started to hand my purse over to cashiers for me. Supermarket staff are always eager to see her do this, and we even got a round of applause from staff and customers on the surrounding checkouts a few weeks ago! But it’s not just the physical things that Odile does for me, but the sense of companionship that I get from her is amazing. I used to dread being on my own in case I dropped something or needed a door opening. These things aren’t a worry for me anymore, as I know Odile is always there and eager to help in any way she can. Even if I don’t need any help, she’s great just to natter with – I just hope that she never learns to talk because I might get into trouble!

I’m getting out a lot more than I used to since being partnered with Odile.  People are always stopping to talk to us, which didn’t really happen before as they were unsure how to approach me.  After being at home with Odile for just a few months, I felt confident enough to venture out with her on my own – something that I never thought I’d be able to do. When I had my flu jab I decided to go to my doctor’s surgery with Odile, telling my PA to wait at home.  It’s only a half a mile journey, but it was so liberating and I was over the moon about the fact that I had been able to do it with my canine partner by my side!

If I had a pound for every time someone commented on Odile’s eyes or how beautiful she is, I would be a millionaire! Sometimes I feel like I’m Odile’s assistant rather than the other way around.  She makes me laugh so much and I think we’re quite similar as she likes being around people just as much as I do.

Odile has been a brilliant support to me during the pandemic.  Taking her out for walks and focussing on teaching her new tasks has given me something to do each day and has been a very welcome distraction.

I’ll never be able to thank Canine Partners enough for partnering me with Odile. She gives me a purpose, as I now have to look after her rather than just be the one who is being looked after.

We took part in a talk about disability awareness at a local Cub Scout group, where one boy described Odile as a ‘golden treasure’.  He was right – she really is, and I intend to let her know that every day of our partnership.

Our amazing dogs make a huge difference to the life of their partner, and never more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Donate today and help us to continue transforming lives.

Katy was partnered with canine partner Folly in September 2013. This is her story:

As a young woman, I now feel like I have everything to live for and want to get out there and seize every adventure that comes my way. However, this wasn’t always the case.

A few hours after I was born, I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and my parents were given a very bleak prognosis. Ever since then, my life has been a long series of fights. Sometimes even to just stay alive. There is a wrongful assumption that being born with a disability means you accept it as you know no different, but I found accepting myself very difficult when I was growing up. This wasn’t helped by being in a mainstream school, where I regularly felt left out and my confidence plummeted. This was amplified by difficulties I was facing at home. I became very insular and wanted to avoid all social situations.

With quite a lot of apprehension I chose to attend a university two hours from my home and live in halls of residence. My first term at university was very difficult. I was now responsible for employing PAs and getting the necessary academic and residential alterations made. I was desperate to be socially included, but the large majority of students saw me as totally different to them as they could not see past my wheelchair and would choose not to interact with me. I quickly lost confidence and became shy and introverted once more, which created a vicious cycle because I didn’t feel able to start conversations with the other students and they felt the same about me. I only had a handful of friends. I have always been a perfectionist and threw myself into my university degree, as a desperate attempt to prove those who doubted my abilities wrong. Along with this I was only being funded a few hours of support a day, which was causing me to feel fatigued and frustrated. Every day was becoming the same and I could feel my mood sliding. I didn’t like where I was heading but I felt like I had lost all control over my life and I was losing interest in everything I had previously loved.

Discovering Canine Partners

This all changed when I went down to Canine Partners to meet a dog they had in mind for me. On my initial assessment I had requested a calm, laid back dog. Looking back, I think this was probably a reflection of the apathy I felt at the time. It was a very different dog I was matched with, who quite literally burst into the room. Folly jumped onto my lap and I gazed into her incredible amber eyes and saw so much joy, enthusiasm and possibilities. In that instant she stole my heart and something came alive inside me again.

During my two week residential training course with Folly I laughed more than I had ever laughed before and the heavy weight I had been carrying lifted. I started my final year at university feeling much more optimistic with Folly by my side. I was still determined to do my best at university and worked as much as I could, but Folly ensured I remained grounded. If all else failed she would stand at the side of my wheelchair and drop her ball on me from a great height which always made me laugh. I often felt lonely and homesick at university and it was very reassuring to wake up every morning to Folly’s chocolate nose and waggy tail.

Life with Folly

Folly also brought about many other improvements. The physical tasks she does like helping me dress, picking up dropped items, lifting my wheelchair footplates, opening/closing doors, along with many more meant I had less pain and fatigue. Through Folly I saw how such everyday things like taking off my jacket could be fun, whereas before they had been laborious tasks. One of Folly’s favourite tasks is emptying the washing machine and she became somewhat of a celebrity in the student laundrette because once she had finished mine she would want to help everyone else with theirs. To Folly these tasks are fun games, but for me they are my key to independence.

Around the university campus I had gone from being the girl in the wheelchair to being the girl with the amazing dog and that was a very liberating feeling. This attitude extended to the general public too. Before Folly, people had been unsure about how to interact with me and often played it safe by totally ignoring me. Now when I go out people see Folly before they see my wheelchair and this often provides the bridge for them to come and talk to me. Folly is an unusual mix of breeds which attracts a lot of attention and answering questions about her has really helped to build my confidence. I had previously done whatever I could to avoid going out on my own as I was acutely aware of my vulnerabilities but now I don’t think twice before taking a spontaneous walk with Folly. It was a very proud moment when I graduated from university with Folly by my side. I had accomplished my dreams and had achieved the First Class degree I was striving for.

My next venture was to move out of university halls and live independently. A few years ago it was just a dream to me but it also caused me a lot of anxiety when I thought about it. Could I cope on my own? Would I get lonely? What if I needed help in an emergency? Folly has greatly reduced these anxieties and provided me with the confidence and security to live on my own. If I fall she can fetch the phone for me. She helps me with so many small tasks, which make a huge difference and she is great company 24/7.

Folly is such a happy-go-lucky dog that I used to joke that if we were burgled she would offer them a toy to be thrown. I was wrong. When someone broke into my house one night, Folly got up sensing there was a problem. Folly woke me up and I realised someone was trying to open my bedroom door. Folly blocked the door, which gave me time to press my emergency alarm. It terrifies me to think what could have happened that night if Folly hadn’t been there. The incident left me very shaken and I had trouble sleeping for months afterwards. The only thing to settle my anxiety was Folly’s gentle, calming presence. Without Folly I have no doubt that I would have moved back in with my Mum and given up living independently.

“Folly has an infectious zest for life.”

Folly does not see me as disabled; to her I am just Katy. This unquestioning acceptance has allowed me to accept myself and given me so much confidence. I landed my dream job of being an advocate for young disabled people and Folly accompanies me wherever my work takes me. She takes everything in her stride with her usual enthusiasm.

Whereas before I would have turned down opportunities due to lack of self-esteem, I now seize the moment just like Folly with her infectious zest for life. It was this that pushed me to fulfil my lifelong dream of doing a skydive. I was able to raise enough money for Canine Partners to buy another puppy so someone else’s life can be transformed by these amazing dogs.

Folly ensures that my dream of living independently is a reality and brings me so much happiness every day. I felt like I won the lottery a million times over when I was partnered with Folly. She burst into my life and has brought me to life again and continues to be the guiding light throughout everything. All she expects in return is an ear scratch and a throw of her ball. I couldn’t imagine life without her now.

Our amazing dogs make a huge difference to the life of their partner, and never more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic this year. Donate today and help us to continue transforming lives.

You can ‘make a difference’ too by supporting our Winter Appeal.

Lauren was partnered with canine partner Fliss in October 2017. This is her story:

Life before Fliss was very different. I used to be a fiercely independent dance teacher – passionate about helping others and living life to the full. Fast forward a few years to the night before my final teaching exam, where I was rushed into hospital for the first time without any understanding of what was to come. At the time it was assumed that I had overexerted myself, causing my immune system to crash, when in fact I had a rare genetic condition that would cause my quality of life to rapidly decline.

Since then my life has become a constant rotation of hospital admissions, appointments, treatments, medication trials, pain and sickness. I also had the difficult task of accepting the fact I could no longer dance and I now depended on full-time care and the use of a wheelchair. It caused me to feel as if my life suddenly had no purpose and that I no longer had any dignity or privacy, due to the fact I had to have a carer with me at all times.

Life with Fliss

After seeing something about Canine Partners on TV, I decided to apply in the hope that I could finally regain some independence. Nothing can prepare you for the joy a canine partner will bring into your life. I initially thought that it would take some time to see the benefits of having a canine partner, but I was overwhelmed with emotion when I didn’t have to call my carer to take off my socks the day after bringing Fliss home. The On Site Training Course that each partnership has to take part in at the very beginning of their partnership was by far the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was certainly worth it!

Now Fliss can physically help me with so many things such as helping me get undressed and fetching my medicine bag. To my amazement, she has also learnt to save my life by waking me up in the middle of the night to alert me to an allergic reaction. This is something that wasn’t taught by Canine Partners, but Fliss has taught herself through our strong bond. It is something that brings a huge amount of relief to my carers and me!

I actually never expected Fliss to have such an impact on my whole family, as I naively assumed she would only help me. But thanks to Fliss my family can now leave the house, knowing that she can raise the alarm if an emergency occurs. They can go to sleep in their own bed instead of sitting beside me, as they know Fliss can alert them if needed. They can also count on Fliss to help me if I faint or fall, meaning I don’t need someone to watch over me 24/7. Because of all these amazing qualities, Fliss has given me the confidence to leave the house on my good days, whilst having a fluff ball to cuddle on the bad days. My partner, who is also my carer, has been able to set up his own company, where he no longer has to worry about getting a call from me to say I’m stuck on the floor or waiting for an ambulance. We have also been able to enjoy our first holiday, along with many trips around the UK for business and pleasure and because Fliss was able to join us, we no longer had to worry about my partner taking sole responsibility for my care. Instead, Fliss was able to assist me with my daily routine, despite being away from home. I also got to enjoy the simple pleasures of being able to independently look around a shop for the first time without panicking about being on my own, or being able to enjoy parts of the UK that I wouldn’t have necessarily visited if it wasn’t for Fliss’ exercise! Obviously, I will always need some help from my carers, but not having to rely on them for every little thing is priceless.

The Covid-19 pandemic

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my whole household isolated since the beginning of March 2020. This means my sister has been unable to continue working and we have been relying on friends to deliver things like food and medication. I am more at risk to Covid-19 as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome causes a lot of problems that all massively flare up before, during and after contracting any form of virus or infection. I also have an undiagnosed condition that has weakened my immunity and has triggered life-threatening allergic reactions. It is terrifying to think about how the coronavirus could potentially impact my disability and whether I will catch it when visiting A&E after using my Epipen.

The lockdown and isolation meant I was starting to physically struggle due to the fact all of my outpatient treatments were stopped, which caused my symptoms to slowly spiral. However, I am used to spending a lot of time in hospital and/or isolated from family, making the emotional side to the current crisis a little easier to deal with. The fact Fliss is able to physically help me on so many levels has allowed both me and my carers (my mum and my partner) to have some space despite isolating in the same household. Something that is vital for our mental health! In addition to this, whenever I am feeling down or scared, Fliss gives me something to focus on as opposed to letting my thoughts take over. Even just taking her into the garden to master a new task that we have been working on does us both the world of good! Even though I didn’t think it was possible to further our develop the bond Fliss and I have, the shakeup in routine paired with my increased dependency levels has provided us with an opportunity to lean on one another in different ways. I also have a whole new level of appreciation for the fact I am lucky enough to have Fliss by my side during such a hard time.

I think the Covid-19 crisis will give the general public more of an insight into how life can be for people with physical disabilities in terms of isolation. I’ve had more messages from family and friends in the past three months than I have in years, purely because they can’t believe I cope with such struggles on a regular basis. I also think businesses will be more open to hiring employees that would normally be unable to physically work in a regular work environment, but can work from home on a schedule that suits their needs. Which is something that so many organisations had to organise in a matter of days when the pandemic hit!

If I had to summarise my partnership with Fliss in three words, I would choose happiness, independence and pride. But none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the incredible work that Canine Partners does! Because of this, I have thoroughly enjoyed using my platform to raise awareness for the charity and attend events in the North East. Before being matched with Fliss, I used to hate thinking about the future because my quality of life was so poor. But now I want to plan adventures so that I have something to look forward whilst sitting in the hospital, to help my partner grow his business when I have the energy, and to continue appreciating the bad days, even if it’s just for one moment when Fliss brought a smile to my face!

Our amazing dogs make a huge difference to the life of their partner, and never more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic this year. Donate today and help us to continue transforming lives.

You can ‘make a difference’ too by supporting our Winter Appeal.

Miriam was partnered with canine partner Laurel in March 2018. This is her story:

I was a fit, healthy individual running a house and being a mum whilst also being very career driven. I ran most days to wind down from work, raced at weekends and loved my life.

I had noticed when running that my hip was causing me pain and so I saw a consultant who later operated on my hip – shaving off some bone that was causing internal tearing of the joint. Unfortunately despite walking down to theatre I never walked unaided again. Complications during surgery left me with permanent paralysis of my right leg.

I spent months in bed, depressed and heart broken. I couldn’t do my job anymore, my career was over, and I couldn’t even be a mum. Several times I seriously considered not going on. What was the point? I was useless and just made everyone’s life harder as they had to look after me.

Enter Canine Partners. One of my sons loves dogs and so we take him to Crufts annually as a birthday treat. At Crufts I saw Canine Partners and I had a chat to them assuming I wasn’t disabled enough. We talked about what the dogs can do and if that would be of help to me. The key things I remember were picking up items I drop (which was a huge thing for me, many tantrums have been thrown over this!) and helping to undress you. For someone as fiercely independent as me, I thought that not having to ask my partner or children to help with this would be brilliant and the most important was bringing me the phone when I fall – which I do, a lot!

After 18 months, I received a call from one of the advanced trainers to say I had a potential match. We met and luckily I was partnered with the most beautiful Labrador ever (I know I’m biased)! Over the next couple of years, with the help of aftercare, Laurel and I have developed an unbreakable bond.

Life after Laurel

Almost six years since believing my life was over, it most certainly isn’t! Laurel and I are back working, we have a Masters Degree and are working towards our PhD (I know I say ‘we’ but I couldn’t do it without her)! We work in Equality and Community Safety, we have spoken at conferences in London, Milton Keynes, Leicestershire and Wales about topics such as Hate Crime reduction, Counter Terrorism and Safeguarding. We have delivered Equality & Diversity training to hundreds of people and my career is back on track and I owe it all to Laurel.

Don’t get me wrong though I still have really dark days, days when the pain is too much and I’m dropping everything I try and hold, these used to be my worst days but Laurel’s favourite game is picking up dropped items and giving them to me so I know my dark days are probably her favourite and that knowledge alone makes them less dark!

Adapting to life during the COVID-19 pandemic

I am currently self-isolating, my condition isn’t likely to be adversely effected by coronavirus (COVID-19) but my immune system is not the best.

Lockdown has been extremely challenging, especially with children in the house who should have been taking exams. I am an essential worker for my local council, and as such have been working long hours from home. I am dealing everyday with vulnerable people, children whose parents are struggling to feed them, vulnerable adults who are scared of dying alone, or have disabilities that make it hard for them to manage in this new situation. It’s an emotional job at the best of times but currently at times it feels overwhelming.

Laurel has always been a phenomenal emotional support for me and now more than ever she is my one constant. Her routine keeps me grounded and her cuddles drain negativity and worry from me. She is still there every day beside me, helping me out of bed, to get dressed, helping around the house and also passing me notebooks and pens when I need them. I have also started gardening again recently with being at home more – she is a help passing tools, but doesn’t distinguish between a plant I like and a weed, so she no longer helps with the digging! Joking aside, I don’t actually know where I’d be right now without her. She knows when I get sad or anxious and has started pushing her head under my arm to force me to cuddle her. I don’t know where she has picked that up from as it wasn’t  taught by Canine Partners, but it makes me switch my head from worrying thoughts to her and that is worth so much right now. She is so in tune with me. I used to say she was my shadow, but during this crisis she is more a physical part of me.

It’s easy to tell you the impact Laurel has had on my life but it has also had a massive impact on my family; my partner is a partner again and not a carer, my children have a mum back who can take them drinks when they are ill and tidy up after them (Laurel does the lions share of this bit). The impact is summed up nicely in one comment from my eldest: ‘Mum I’m glad you have Laurel to help you because I don’t need to worry about you when I’m at school anymore.’

I’m not ashamed to say that Canine Partners saved my life. The difference these dogs make is unquantifiable; they have changed my life, my partner’s life and my children’s life. They have enabled me to get back to a career where I make a difference to the lives of others so the knock on effect is massive. They have enabled me to get my independence back and my confidence.

Samantha was partnered with canine partner Bugsy in January 2015. This is her story.

I qualified as a nursery nurse in 1994. I have been a nanny to two families and worked in a nursery as a nursery nurse looking after under two’s. But then in 2002, after many investigations, I was diagnosed with Dystonia. There is no treatment or cure and it is progressive, which means it worsens with time. This came as an almighty blow.

The neurological condition causes muscle contractions, spasms and unusual postures. I have a rare form, which affects all four limbs, my jaw, oesophagus, bladder and bowel.

As the years have gone on my Dystonia has progressed and my hands have got worse. It causes my fingers and thumbs to contract into the palms of my hands, my ankles to invert and I struggle to open my jaw. It has also caused me to need several operations, including the removal of my bladder and colon.

I lived with my mum who looked after me as my condition progressed, until 2007 when she sadly passed away. After she died life became very hard. I was struggling around the house and was walking on the sides of my feet, as I refused to go into a wheelchair permanently. Believing I had nothing to lose, I agreed to have an experimental operation to straighten my inverted ankle and toes in the hope I would be able to walk again. Unfortunately the operation was unsuccessful. I was left unable to weight-bear at all and my deformities returned. I then had to have carers as I lived on my own.

I was finding life very hard and I was really struggling. I was unable to take off my cardigan or coat, or my socks and boots when my feet became swollen, as I had to wait for carers. I was constantly dropping things and relied on carers to come and pick things up. I wouldn’t go out on my own as I felt self-conscious and didn’t like asking strangers for help, so I had to rely on friends to help me with shopping.

Discovering Canine Partners

I decided to apply for a canine partner in 2012 after seeing the charity and the amazing dogs at a Motability show. Waiting for a canine partner was so hard but, as it happened, most of my time waiting I was having major surgeries and recovering from them. I was offered a potential dog in 2014 but I had to turn the offer down as I was due to have emergency surgery.

Once I had recovered from that operation I let Canine Partners know and it wasn’t too long before I got a phone call inviting me to the Midlands Training Centre to meet my potential canine partner. I will never forget that phone call in December 2014. I was overwhelmed with joy.

I met Bugsy, a handsome Golden Retriever in January 2015 and I fell in love with him straight away. He is so friendly and loving – and he’s a stunning looking boy too! I struggled to hold back my tears of joy. It was a dream come true. I spent a few hours working with Bugsy and going through paperwork then I came home full of excitement and anticipation to find out whether Canine Partners thought we were a match. Waiting for that phone call was so hard, it felt like a lifetime.

Finally, his trainer phoned and said they felt we were a match and I couldn’t believe he was going to be mine. I cried with joy because I was so happy, but I had a difficult wait again while they trained Bugsy to do some of the more tailored tasks I needed him to do for me. I was unable to do the Onsite Training Course (OST), so Canine Partners arranged for the trainer and Bugsy to come to my home instead. I couldn’t take my eyes of him, it didn’t seem real. The two weeks flew by and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bugsy. Seeing him working for me was very emotional.

Life with Bugsy

Bugsy is amazing and he does so much for me.

He picks up items as soon as he sees or hears me drop them even without me asking him, he opens and closes doors and draws, gets items out of cupboards including his own bowl at meal times (which he puts away again afterwards). He opens the bin lid, puts rubbish in and closes it again, fetches items around the house including the post, puts his toys away, and loads and unloads the washing machine. He also presses lift and disabled access buttons to open automatic doors, helps me get items off of shop shelves, and passes my purse to cashiers. Bugsy also helps me undress – undoing zips and taking off boots, socks, coats and cardigans. He also nudges my legs to help me get into bed and most importantly, he can activate my lifeline and get help in an emergency.

Now I can’t imagine life without Bugsy. He makes me feel so much more independent. He has given me my life back. I’m also confident to go out on my own now as I have Bugsy by my side. Bugsy is a very loving and friendly boy and he’s so keen to please. He loves playing with toys – his favourite is a big tiger he has had since he was a puppy. He is also a wonderful companion and he means the world to me.

I would like to say a big thank Canine Partners for giving me Bugsy. He really has transformed my life. Canine Partners is an amazing charity.

Richard was partnered with canine partner Ace in October 2018. This is his story:

Before I was partnered with Ace my life was full of endless hospital appointments, which were often the only time I got out of the house as my wife was working. I was scared to go out of the house because of my PTSD and my physical difficulties. I would often fall over and people wouldn’t help – they would just walk around me. This increased my anxiety about leaving my house.

I found busy places difficult for a variety of reasons, but not least because of my physical difficulties as I can’t move quickly or easily move out of the way of other people. I felt closed in by other people and claustrophobic. I couldn’t go to the shop on my own as I couldn’t reach the items on the lower shelves. I loved going to the cricket, but I would have to wait for my friend to come and visit so that we could go together.

Discovering Canine Partners

I was at a Veteran’s event in Plymouth and someone did a talk about assistance dogs and what they can do to help. They recommended Canine Partners to me because of my emotional and physical needs. I decided to apply as I have always loved dogs so thought it seemed like a good way forward and to try to improve my quality of life.

The applications process was fairly straightforward and it was mainly just a matter of waiting for things to come together. Once I had been matched with Ace, I attended an On Site Training Course (OST). I was apprehensive at first but then I was overwhelmed by how amazing Ace was – we instantly bonded. The OST was tiring but it became easier once I became used to the routines, and when Ace and I got used to each other.  With the kind support of our Advanced Trainer, we were able to overcome any fears I had of going into busy places.

I was nervous about going home as he had to fly up to Scotland with the Advanced Trainer, but it was so lovely to meet them both at the airport and to see he was as pleased to see me as I was to see him. Ace settled in really well at home and, despite any concerns I had about him being in a new environment, he just seemed to take it in his stride. I also have an amazing Aftercare Instructor who has been able to support and reassure me along the way.

Life with Ace

Ace helps me in so many ways and enables me to be more independent. I don’t have to constantly ask my son and wife to help me to get up, get dressed or undressed, fetch things for me, or to even just shut the door. Ace takes the pressure off me physically, as I don’t have to bend to take off my socks, to get my shoes, or twist my back to put on my coat. My mental health is also better as I feel more confident and safer. He gives me a purpose, which makes me get out of the house on days when it would have previously been easier to just stay inside. I feel more confident going out on my own with Ace, as he can help me in the shops, help me to get up if I fall down, or will go to get help if I need it.

Not long after I got home with Ace, we went to a Veteran’s Breakfast and one of the guys there said to me ‘Wow, you seem so much more relaxed’. Having him there reduces my anxieties about the situation. He also acts as a visual sign to other people that I have difficulties and they are therefore more considerate than before too.

Since bringing Ace home, I have joined Fraserburgh Men’s Shed and I have accessed a college course through them, which I never would have had the confidence to do without him. I have also been doing a Cricket Coaching course through the Fraserburgh Cricket Club, so that I can help with training sessions. I certainly wouldn’t have done this without Ace by my side.

The Covid-19 pandemic

During the current Covid-19 pandemic I am shielding as I am more at risk due to my various conditions. It makes me feel very apprehensive and worried about the future. I don’t think people understand that if I catch it I could die, and that’s very scary. I haven’t been able to go out, at least not very far. I think being stuck at home has made me dwell on the bad things from my past more than before. After getting Ace my world had started to open up again and now, sadly, it has shrunk again. But Ace has still helped, as he gets me out in the garden or in the fields for a walk, and helps me emotionally by just being there unconditionally for cuddles. In fact, our bond has grown stronger over this time.

Because of our strong bond, Ace is amazing at anticipating what support I need including retrieving items, such as my walking stick to assist me to stand up, or helping me to get undressed. During the pandemic, we have also spent time learning new skills, such as helping to zip and unzip my wellington boots.

I don’t think being in the current crisis will give the public more of an insight into how lives can be for people with physical disabilities in terms of isolation. For many people, it has been a time to make the most out of the spare time they have or they’ve been able to go out for more walks, but for me it is just another anxiety to add to my ever-growing list of fears. I feel more shackled now than ever. For people shielding, it is a crisis of body and mind. I just can’t concentrate on other things. Lockdown has further increased my isolation, it hasn’t equalised us by everyone else being isolated too.

Going forward, I think my bond with Ace will just continue to grow. He will continue to be able to support and help me in even more ways. I am incredibly grateful to Canine Partners and I think it is an amazing organisation as it offers such life changing support.

Our amazing dogs make a huge difference to the life of their partner, and never more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic this year. Donate today and help us to continue transforming lives.

You can ‘make a difference’ too by supporting our Winter Appeal.

I have had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past 20 or more years and I have been using a wheelchair for the last three years. I had significant blood clots in my right leg three years ago, but up until that point I was using a scooter and crutches as mobility aids and I was able to walk around a bit.

My symptoms include involuntary spasms in my legs and arms which causes pain in my whole body, especially my legs, arms and skin. I get muscle fatigue and I currently have tears in my bicep muscles and a frozen shoulder. I try to independently transfer from my bed to my wheelchair, but in the last few months I’ve been struggling because of the progressive nature of my illness.

At the time of my diagnosis I was in the police force and for the first ten years after I was diagnosed it was actually okay and I carried on working. I then had to retire early on the grounds of ill-health because of the MS – and I couldn’t catch criminals in a wheelchair or using crutches! The year before I retired I was awarded Police Officer of the Year as I had been fully active in my role up until then. I now work for Citizens Advice three days a week in Wellingborough and I also volunteer as a bereavement counsellor in Bedford.

Before my canine partner, Velo, I was increasingly asking my wife, Keeley, and my ten-year-old son, George, to do things for me, such as picking things up and opening doors. I was gradually asking them for more and more support. I didn’t like to ask for help as I’ve been very physical throughout my life and even since being diagnosed with MS I have done several endurance challenges. The last challenge I did was a 100km trek across the Himalayas 12 years ago, which was back when I was using crutches rather than in a wheelchair. After eight days of climbing I started to struggle, but on the way back down it was so exhilarating I didn’t feel like I had MS at all. Previously, I also took part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride, a cross country marathon, and the Three Peaks Challenge.

After being so active, turning into someone who had to rely on other people did not come naturally. I was ferociously independent. To then have to ask my wife and my boy to do things for me was very difficult. They do it willingly, but it was hard for me to even have to ask. I would rather spend ten times longer trying to pick something up that I have dropped than ask for help.

Discovering Canine Partners

I discovered Canine Partners as I was the chair of Bedfordshire Police Disability Awareness Network, where I was supporting police officers and staff who had family members with disabilities. Through that, I met someone with a canine partner who told me all about the charity.

Waiting for a canine partner was very emotional. It took about 18 months for them to find me a match, but I understood that it had to be the right dog for me. I felt like there was a lot of pressure and importance being placed on this cute bundle of fluff and that he was going to give me my life back, or at least enable me to start on a different journey.

Meeting Velo

Meeting my canine partner for the first time was amazing. I thought it would take a long time to match a dog with my sense of humour, but then I got the call about Velo. It was important for us to go and meet Velo as a family, so my wife and my son came along too. We absolutely fell in love with him.

To have Velo by my side all the time is absolutely brilliant. I miss him when he’s not with me – he’s a great buddy. Within the first few weeks of being home with Velo, in a very cold November, I fell off the bed. Velo went to get the house phone for me, but when he brought it to me I realised my wife’s number wasn’t saved in the phone. He went back and got my mobile phone for me too – he knows the difference between them and knows them by name. It’s remarkable.

Life with Velo

Velo can pick up clothes and put them in the washing basket, put my legs into the bed, and tug my clothes off.  He can undo Velcro on my shoes and he loves pulling socks off – I don’t wear them anymore so occasionally I’ll get him to take off my son’s! He also knows the command ‘leave it’ as I often drop my tablets when I’m spasming, which means he won’t try and get them for me. He can also get things off the shelf for me when we go shopping and can get my printing out of the printer at work.

I feel so much more secure with him – bearing in mind I’m not a timid person, but now if I drop my keys I know he’ll pick them up for me straight away and I won’t be stuck without my keys until a person can help me. I hadn’t been on a train for many years, I had always shied away from it, but together with Velo and my family we went on a train journey to London. It was amazing and Velo was so well behaved. He’s always there ready to help me.

Velo has given me back my relationship with my boy and my wife. It has stopped them from being my carers. Asking Velo to do things for me gives me my freedom back. It’s given me more confidence and self-esteem. I don’t mind asking Velo as he enjoys doing it so much.

MS by nature is a progressive illness and since being partnered with Velo I have deteriorated even more, but it’s so lovely to know I’m not alone with him by my side. It’s just wonderful and he makes me laugh – especially when it’s dinner time as he’s a true Labrador when it comes to food!

Velo loves going to work with me and everybody there loves him. On the odd occasion that I haven’t planned on taking him with me, he will jump in the van and look at me as if to say ‘I’m coming with you’. We go on many adventures together and will continue to do so. We went to see The Lion King in London and he loved it. He also loves going to the cinema and to restaurants. We’ve been to Harry Potter World and he pushed the trolley though the wall, which was great fun.

I don’t want to imagine my life without Velo. I love him to bits and so do my family – my son even call’s Velo his brother and they have a beautiful relationship. Velo is very expressive and attentive. He’s a godsend.