David has Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis (sIBM) and was partnered with Labrador Murphy in May 2017. This is his story.

My name is David and I have Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis (sIBM), which is a chronic neuro muscular atrophy. In brief, the muscles in my arms, legs, shoulders and hands progressively waste to the point where I can no longer use them. The throat muscles are also compromised, which brings in difficulty with swallowing. The timing and the worst effects of the disease vary from patient to patient, but usually result in severe disability and care dependency.

sIBM erodes physical ability slowly but surely. At first every day things such as walking up steps, reaching for things, dressing and undressing, bathing and going to the toilet become difficult. As the disease progresses, these things become impossible without assistance. Such things hit me psychologically as well as physically. My muscles continue to waste and increasingly my body becomes a prisoner to gravity, heavy and immobile.

Discovering Canine Partners

My wife, Lesley, first alerted me to Canine Partners having seen the wonderful dogs on the internet and the extent to which they can assist a person with a physical disability such as I have.

I eventually decided to apply having seen Canine Partners at the Naidex exhibition in Birmingham.

Meeting Murphy

My first experience of Murphy was when I was invited to attend a session at the Midlands Training Centre in Osgathorpe, Leicestershire. It was a basic introduction to the training commands and to understand the different characteristics of individual dogs. I learnt that some dogs present enthusiastically and boldly, others gently and quietly.

Murphy was the very first dog attached to my wheelchair as I was taught the basic commands. Although I met several other dogs that day, all equally wonderful, Murphy was my favourite. He was so eager to assist and he was so very happy. He looked at me intently and his tail never once stopped wagging.

About a year or so later, I was given the opportunity to be partnered with Murphy. When I was reacquainted with him at the Midlands Training Centre, knowing that I may actually be partnered with him, my emotions were love and happiness followed by a little bit of trepidation that the extent of my disability might prevent a viable partnership.

On-site training

I did not underestimate the intensity of the onsite training course. However, I had very much underestimated the fatigue caused to myself by the pace and the basic physical aspects of the training. Towards the close of the first week, I became worried that I wouldn’t be able to progress with my partnership as it would be impossible for me to effectively care for Murphy’s needs in the future.

Despite assurances from the very understanding staff, we returned home without Murphy. Things were very glum, as I so missed him. I felt that I had let the poor chap down and couldn’t stop thinking of him.

After a few days back at home, I had an accident when I was by myself. I was clumsily leaning forward to pick up my phone charger cable and fell out of my chair, injured my hand and was taken to hospital. As we sat in the A&E waiting room, we reflected upon that this was the fourth accident that had occurred over the past five or six years, including a broken collar bone and concussion. All were due to trying to do everyday, very basic stuff that my body would no longer let me do. The more recent event made me realise how things could be so much better if Murphy had been by my side.

The same day, I phoned Canine Partners and asked if I could complete my training with some additional input from Lesley to cover those vital aspects that I couldn’t manage for Murphy by myself, which included feeding and toileting area hygiene. It’s called a team placement when a member of your family helps you to care for your canine partner. We returned to complete the training, where the trainer Ann was excellent in her kind instruction to both Lesley and I. Murphy was, as ever, helpful and accommodating and Lesley and I were overjoyed to be reunited with Murphy.

Life with Murphy by my side

Murphy can’t assist me in all areas of my disability, but what he can do is brilliant. Murphy assists me with picking things up when I can’t reach them, for example the daily post, remote controls and light switches. He opens doors for me so I can get about the bungalow and outside in my wheelchair. He does them with such care and enthusiasm. One of the most remarkable things he does is the gentle lifting of my arms should they fall from the side of my wheelchair or bed.

I will not be the only partner to mention that special intuition that my canine partner has in just knowing when the dark grey cloud of depression visits. He lifts me back out of this by a careful touch of his nose to my hand. He offers me his paw and he gives me a kiss – job done.

Having Murphy with me today is a great privilege. He and I are together throughout the day and I no longer have to worry if I drop things, which is very frequent due to my very limited mobility. Murphy is always there to pass me my glasses, pick up the post or reposition my feet on the footplate should they become too uncomfortable.

The summer of 2018 gave us days and days of sunshine. Murphy and I spent these days together in our beautiful garden. Murphy by my side being so attentive to my needs, bringing me my magazines, picking up things that may have dropped off my lap, and best of all him simply resting his head upon my lap as we gently watch the day go by.

Lesley and I love to take Murphy out to the local park where he can run about and enjoy himself. It is lovely to see him having fun in his ‘daft dog’ mode before once again eagerly accepting his assistance dog duties. Murphy will never cease to amaze us.

Simply, we love him.

Amy has Autism, ME, Fibromyalgia and functional neurological disorder. She was matched with canine partner Vida, a black Labrador, in September 2014. This is her story.

My life before Vida was very different. I was diagnosed with Dyspraxia when I was four years old and autism at 16 years old. My mum knew from when I was little that I had autism, as I was very late at reaching important milestones in my life. This included not being able to walk or talk until I was six years old. School was a very upsetting time for me, as I was badly bullied and struggled to keep up because of my learning difficulties.

About eight years ago, my life changed forever. One minute I was stood up in the kitchen and the next minute I was on the floor with no feeling below the waist at all. I was admitted to the neurological ward at Southampton hospital, where I went through a series of investigations and was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder. Going into hospital caused problems for me, as due to my autism I couldn’t bear to be away from my mum and couldn’t cope with the unfamiliar situation, not having my usual routine and the loud noises. The hospital was very kind about this and put me in a side ward, but I would say being in hospital was the most frightened I’ve ever felt and I cried every night.

Before being diagnosed with functional neurological disorder, I was also diagnosed with Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia. When I was diagnosed with autism I remember it certainly answered so many questions for me about why I am the way I am. Before Vida, I couldn’t even make eye contact or make conversation with people as it was hard for me. I couldn’t go into busy places as I couldn’t cope with the noises and had panic attacks. Even things that are considered fun, like the cinema, became almost impossible as I couldn’t bear to go out the front door because of how anxious I was. Mental health-wise, I was in a bad place.

Due to my conditions, I am now permanently in a wheelchair, have to take various medications and have had to come to terms with a large amount of adaptions being made in my home. Coming to terms with being in a wheelchair has been a very difficult and emotional journey for me and my family. Before Vida, I was very isolated and anxious. The house was my safe place but it was also a prison. Because of my physical disabilities, I could never be left on my own because I wasn’t safe. It made me feel guilty, as I felt like I was causing pressure and stress on the people I love. When I went out I struggled as I felt like people were staring at me.

Discovering Canine Partners

I first heard about Canine Partners when I picked up a book in the library about Endal, the canine partner who changed Alan Parton’s life so much. I looked up Canine Partners on the internet and I remember feeling so excited that I had to show my mum. To begin with mum said no, but once she read more she said that I should definitely apply. I was inspired and moved when I read about Endal and when I read more about Canine Partners, I was so excited. I knew I needed help as I felt I was in such a low place and was scared because I was trying to come to terms with my physical disabilities. This was something I wanted more than anything in the world.

Once I was going through the applications process I felt very supported and reassured throughout, which I am so grateful for. I remember when I found out I was matched with Vida, I literally screamed down the phone with excitement! On our way to meet Vida I was so excited I kept asking mum if we were nearly there yet. When I first met her, I was shaking with excitement and was crying with happiness. One of the first things Vida did when she met me was jump onto my lap. I think for both me and Vida it was love at first sight. When it was time to say goodbye on the matching day I was really sad as I didn’t want to leave her.

My training course took place at my home. I was feeling a mix of emotions, but I remember feeling so happy and overjoyed to have Vida at home with me. I also felt nervous that I was going to struggle to remember all the commands. I felt so happy but occasionally would get upset and cross with myself for not being able being able to remember things. I was fatigued but determined. My advanced trainer, Cat, was fantastic and so understanding. She worked at my pace and understood my autism. It was a very positive experience.

Life with Vida

My life has completely changed in the most amazing and wonderful way. Vida in Spanish means life, and this is so true because she has given me my life back. Vida does many tasks to help me every day, which means my mum can leave me because she knows Vida cares for me and keeps me safe. Vida gives me so much independence, as I know she will support me and it means I don’t have to call on others to do things for me all the time. I feel so safe and loved. Vida always knows what to do when I am unwell or sad.

Vida has opened up my world so much; she has helped me with coming to terms with being in a wheelchair instead of feeling self-conscious. I am more confident because my focus is on her and if she is okay. I go out and feel incredibly proud of Vida; she is so calm and makes me feel calm. I am more able to do things spontaneously and I am able to change my routine, make eye contact and hold conversations, which is a massive deal for someone with autism.

Something important to me is that because of Vida I was able to say goodbye to my Nan, who had vascular dementia. Because of Vida, I was able to go and see my beloved Nan at the nursing home on a regular basis. She got very ill, which was very distressing to see and there were times I just burst into tears. Vida was amazing and would sit quietly by her bed. I got to see my Nan the day before she passed away and I couldn’t have done this without the unconditional love and support from Vida.

Vida has certainly made my health better, she knows when I’m in a lot of pain and hugs from her really help. She has given me so much confidence that I have recently applied for volunteering work at Countess Mountbatten Hospice to help in the fundraising office. I now also want to learn to drive too.

Vida is so lovable. The change to my confidence and my life has been amazing. The love me and Vida have for each other is unconditional. We watch Disney and Harry Potter films together; she has even been on the Harry Potter studio tour. I am hoping to take Vida with me to Disneyland Paris next March, so that will be a great adventure.

Vida is my beautiful girl, my hero and my best friend. She means the world to me and has transformed my life both physically and emotionally in the most amazing way.

Natalie has Cerebral Palsy. She was matched with canine partner Faye, a black Labrador, in July 2013. This is her story.

I was born with cerebral palsy and when I was diagnosed the doctors told my parents there was no hope for me. They said I would never walk, talk or sit up, but when I was younger my parents did six hours of therapy with me a day and with support from family members, friends and students at Southport College, I soon started to crawl and after that I soon took my first step. Even now, I still go to therapy to keep mobile.

Despite my parents being told I wouldn’t be able to sit any of my exams with my peers, I gained 10 GCSE’s and went onto mainstream college. During my teenager years I developed Scoliosis, my curve was so bad it was starting to affect my organs and I had to undergo 12 hours of spinal surgery to straighten it. The operation was a success but it has left me with limited mobility and I am unable to bend, take my shoes and socks off or pick things up off of the floor.

Applying to Canine Partners

I applied to Canine Partners as I was relying on people all the time and I could see my independence slipping away from me in front of my eyes.  I was so excited to hear that I had been accepted and couldn’t wait for the call to say that I had been matched. A year later the call finally came and I met Faye for the first time. I instantly fell in love with her and from day one I felt we had a special connection. She was gorgeous and I couldn’t wait to do my two week residential training course.

During the training course at the charity’s Midlands Training Centre, Faye and I became even closer to each other. Since meeting her, the world around me has become brighter every day. At the end of each day of training we would lie on the floor together and as I talked to her she would gaze into my eyes. I felt she was heaven-sent. It was on the first day of the course that I found out I had been accepted to do a master’s degree.

Life with Faye

The time since I have had Faye has been the best of my life. I wake up to a fresh new day not having to think about how I will cope and not worrying about dropping things because I know Faye is always by my side ready to help me. If I drop something she immediately gets it and gives it back to me.

Faye helps me get ready in the mornings and brings me my phone and keys without me having to ask her. She gets the washing out of the machine, she gets the post for me and she picks things up from the floor. She also helps take my shoes and socks off, flushes the toilet, puts things in the bin and gets money out of the cash machine after I’ve entered my pin number. During my master’s degree she gave me confidence to travel alone on the train to university each day and gave my parents piece of mind that I was being taken care of.

Whilst I was out one day I was standing up doing something and I lost my balance. I knew I was going to fall. Before I knew it Faye ran in front of me and put all her weight on me to push me back so that I was up right.  Faye hasn’t been trained to do to this, but she knew exactly what do to!

Since graduating I have done lots of work experience with the BBC and in CBBC.  I have also worked for CBeebies. I am now working for the BBC as a Social Media Researcher and it is thanks to Faye for giving me the confidence to do this.

One of my greatest achievements since having Faye was passing my driving test for the first time.  This has given me so much independence and freedom and it’s the one thing my parents really didn’t think I would ever do.  So now I drive myself the 45 miles into work at MediaCity. It also means that Faye and I go on road trips together for big long walks and we go and visit friends.

Before having Faye I was very shy and self-conscious. I would worry about what other people thought of me, but now Faye has completely changed that. People actually talk to me now, rather than talking about me or just ignoring me. She has also given me the confidence to want to move out of my parent’s house because I know I won’t be alone. I love Faye so much. She has completely turned my life around. She’s given me my life back and she’s given me something to look forward to.

I could not possibly imagine being without Faye. She has simply changed my life. All I can say is thank you Canine Partners for giving me my life back. Faye helps me and I love caring for her – together we are a real team.

It is thanks to Faye that I have a life and a future to look forward to I wake up every morning with a smile on my face, knowing my best friend is always there by my side ready to help no matter what!  But without Canine Partners, I wouldn’t have Faye.

 

 

Caroline was partnered with black Labrador Hattie in October 2015. She has Fibromyalgia which causes pain all over her body, as we as other symptoms such as increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue and muscle stiffness. 

To tell her story, Caroline enlisted the help of a friend, a poet, to write a poem all about their amazing partnership.

“My Life with Hattie”

Hattie’s my companion dog, my canine love it’s true.
The story of our friendship, in rhyme, I’ll tell to you!
I’ll start at the beginning, before she came to me.
My life’s changed for the better… that you soon will see!

Before dear Hattie, sad to say, I lived from day to day.
No forward plans, no going out, at home I’d tend to stay.
If I dropped things, it was so tough, to try to pick them up.
Trips were a planning nightmare, sometimes with a hiccup!

My Dalmatian Rosie, alas, was far too strong.
Pulled me and my scooter over, as we went along!
Re-homing her… it broke my heart… I felt I couldn’t cope.
Then Canine Partners took me on and gave me cause to hope.

I waited eighteen months in all (it seemed an age to me)
But then I met my Labrador, my lovely fun Hattie!
My life has changed, now I’ll tell you, how each day is spent…
We are a pair, Hattie and I, together we’re content.

First thing in the morning, she nudges me from sleep…
If my girls get in the bed, in she too will creep!
Then she gets my slippers… she gets much praise from me.
And very patiently she waits… while I have a wee!

We go into the kitchen, I put the kettle on
She nudges me, and wriggles, all sleepiness now gone.
After lots of patting, and praise, and doggy fun,
We’re off into the garden and her routine’s begun.

She makes me laugh, she runs around, then, to her gravel plot.
She sniffs until she finally finds her chosen toilet spot.
First she does a “number two” (some would say a “poo”)
Then another run around before a wee’s done too!

“Good girl Hattie” I then say… she also gets a treat
I can’t resist, she does get spoiled! She knows how to look sweet!
“Toot toot” from me, breakfast for her, she returns the bowl when done.
Then off to do the washing, her jobs have just begun.

Once she’s opened up the door, she gets clothes bit by bit.
She slams the door (Expects, and gets, more treats I do admit!)
Hanging out the washing is also done the same…
Though disappearing socks, I fear she thinks is just a game!

Hattie loves my daughter, but does take her favourite toy!
Reluctantly she’ll give it back… she won’t want to annoy!
When she has a tug of war, looking for some fun
It can really wear us out until the game is done!

Soon we go out, put on our coats, Hattie needs a run
By my scooter Hattie trots, wiggling her bum!
Pavements, shops or busy roads, they are not a worry.
People often stop and chat, were not in a hurry.

“Up switch Hattie” I will say, at the crossing in the street
The button’s pressed, on to the park, doggie friends to meet.
Off the lead it’s Frisbee or football ‘cos she’s free.
After play (and showing off) I call her back to me.

These are the words that Hattie knows, these are her commands
“Let’s go”, “Tug tug”, “Up switch”, “Heel”, “Front” are some of my demands.
“Side”, “Behind” and “Settle down”, “Wait”, “Touch” and “Bring it here”
“Go to bed”, “Sit” and “Down”, the meanings are quite clear.

Hattie’s very clever, she’s learned a lot… although…
If she picks up food I’ve dropped… she licks it first I know!
She is always eager, to get the ringing phone.
TV remote is brought to me… I do not watch alone!
We snuggle up together, she loves to have a cuddle…
It makes my knitting difficult, and can lead to a muddle!

Hattie sighs through the day… to get my full attention.
She really likes me to herself, and this is her intention.
She also likes an early night, (I think it’s all that playing!)
She nudges me to make a move “It’s bedtime mum” she’s saying!

Helping get my clothes off, is one of her final chores
Then it’s to her bed she’ll go, (and sometimes Hattie snores!)
Curled up with her favourite toy, a cuddly teddy bear
Soon she’s asleep, but if I called, I know she would be there.

Because I now have Hattie, I’ve made many more friends
I go out more, I smile and chat, on her I now depend.
Hattie goes to craft club, she swims in local burns
She makes life fun, she cheers me up, life has far less concerns.

She brings me joy, she makes me laugh, she brightens up my day.
A partnership of love and trust that cannot go away.
My confidence has rocketed, she’s joined our family.
My amazing canine partner, has really set me free!

 

 

Alan was partnered with golden retriever Hamlin in July 2015. This is his story.

 

I have Parkinson’s disease, which affects me in that I shake quite a lot and find it hard to walk properly sometimes. My coordination in the right hand side of my body is very poor. I also experience depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

I first noticed symptoms when I was in my late 20s and early 30s but it took quite a while to work out exactly what the condition was. It started with lack of coordination in my right arm and right leg and a slight tremor, but I was familiar with these symptoms because my dad had it as well.

When I get up in the morning before I’ve had my medication I find it very hard to move with any sort of fluidity, I stumble a lot and I find it hard to get my medication out of the bottles. Once they kick in after the first hour of the day, I can begin to move less rigidly and clumsily. I also get more energy, as I feel quite sleepy from the moment I wake up.

Life before Hamlin

Before I was partnered with Hamlin I was very depressed and very isolated. I had become a bit of a hermit really; I used to stay at home as much as possible. I didn’t really feel brave enough to venture outside as I was too anxious and would get panic attacks.

I was looked after quite a lot by friends and family. They were always checking up on me and making sure I was okay. They would encourage me to go out with them but I would always find it quite taxing being out in the open, particularly when I was shaking, as I would find it quite embarrassing. I thought people would be staring at me, which I now know they probably weren’t and they probably didn’t even notice.

Discovering Canine Partners

We discovered Canine Partners on the internet after encountering some canine partners being trained in Petersfield. I checked out the website and decided to go to one of the information sessions because we had lost our pet dog recently.

From that I was encouraged to apply for a canine partner, which I did immediately. It seemed to take forever but it was only two years, although it’s all such a distant memory now. It seemed like a long time at the time but now we’ve been together longer than I had to wait.

Life with Hamlin

Life with Hamlin now means I’m more confident, I’m happy to go out of the house, I can talk to people in public and I don’t feel that self-conscious any more. He acts as a buffer between me and the outside world as everybody is so interested in him rather than in me, which is fantastic because I can remain anonymous behind his antics. He’s a very friendly boy.

One of the main things Hamlin does for me is that he keeps me walking straight. It’s having a constant point of reference next to me, which gives me something to focus on otherwise I would stagger and stumble a lot more. I occasionally freeze, which doesn’t mean I can’t move but everything seems to shut down for a second. When this happens, Hamlin just head-butts my leg, which brings me back to attention. He wasn’t trained to do that.

He picks up my keys and wallet of course, which I constantly drop. I’m very careful not to drop my phone, as I don’t want teeth marks in that! He loves closing the dishwasher door, which saves me bending down because I can get quite dizzy. He loves opening the washing machine and dragging the washing out of there. There are countless other things he helps me with.

Now that I have Hamlin with me constantly, if I am feeling depressed or anxious he will come and put his chin on my knee. He can tell that I’m feeling low. If I’m feeling panicky he will give me a hug by launching himself on to my lap and staying there while I calm down. He’s made me more confident in myself and he has made the depression less of an issue most of the time.

He’s given me more independence, people don’t have to check up on me quite so often because they know I’m safe and being looked after. He gives me the drive to get out of the house and he makes me do things, whereas before I would just stay in and watch TV or sleep in late all the time. Now he wakes me up every morning at 8 by grumbling by the bed until I get up and give him his breakfast. He gets me started every day.

I think my friends and family are relieved that I’ve got Hamlin as well as very impressed with his overall performance. They feel that I’m safe and that I’m being looked after. They offer to help but less so because they know Hamlin is in charge most of the time. I think they appreciate my independence as well, because I don’t have to rely on them as much.

We’ve become a unit over the last three years or so. We don’t necessarily read each other’s thoughts and sometimes we both just go blank and stare at each other waiting for one or the other to do something. He’s just always there. He’s resting on my feet at this moment and that’s just such an important contact between us. I think if I were alone still, I would just be depressed and watching rubbish TV all day.

Having Hamlin has genuinely changed my life for the better in all ways. He’s got a cheeky character, which just makes him even more appealing, and he’s always happy to help from the moment I get up. I can’t sneak out of a room without him noticing, although I have tried! He’s just amazing.

 

Shelley was partnered with black Labrador Kibble in January 2014. This is her story:

I have a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which is a lack of collagen so I dislocate from head to foot. Some days I can move around a lot easier but other days I am confided to my wheelchair.

I fall over very regularly and I drop everything. I can dislocate at ease by not really doing much at all.

Life before Kibble

I really noticed something was wrong when I was nine. I used to dance many nights a week and at the weekends. I noticed I kept dislocating my knees so my mum took me to lots of different osteopaths and physiotherapists.

They were baffled and just kept giving me different splints. It went on and on, being put down to the amount of dancing I was doing. The condition was not really known back then, so everyone was baffled as to what was wrong.

Before Kibble came along, life was fairly grim – especially about six years before. Dislocations were becoming very frequent and I was struggling to walk. I dislocated three discs in my spine and was unable to walk very well at all. I begun using crutches and a wheelchair more and more.

After experiencing disability discrimination at work, I had a nervous breakdown. I wouldn’t answer the phone, I wouldn’t open a door, and I went from being an extroverted person to someone very enclosed that didn’t want to do anything.

I relied on my husband and children constantly, which felt horrible. I changed from someone who was completely independent to having to rely on my children, who weren’t very old, needing them to help me get washed and dressed and to walk around.

I was very scared when they were out at school and my husband was at work, not knowing what would happen to me while I was at the house on my own. I wouldn’t go out without anybody. I then felt a real burden on them as well, because they had to do everything for me. It’s not nice having to ask your children to take you to the toilet. If my husband was at work the kids had to pick up things and make the dinners. It was very hard, I felt very useless.

Discovering Canine Partners

My son discovered Canine Partners when he saw Kate, who has the same condition as me, and canine partner Byron on the One Show.

He said “Mum, you can have a dog to look after you” and I thought no, you couldn’t have a dog looking after you that’s ridiculous. I didn’t think I was disabled enough to qualify.

A few days later, an application form landed on the doorstep as my son had gone online and applied for a canine partner for me. My family pleaded with me to fill in the form and the rest is history. The wait was very long but very exciting. I couldn’t believe my luck really.

Life with Kibble

Life with Kibble is amazing. Because he does so much for me I don’t need to be in my wheelchair as much, I can use my strength to do the things I want to do. He enjoys his work so much, it’s not as though he has to work all the time it’s play for him. When you go out you don’t feel like people are staring at you for you, they’re looking at how beautiful he is. When I’m down he knows when I’m down. He’ll just come over and have a snuggle. Having him with me just cheers me up constantly.

To have Kibble do personal things for me is so much easier and so much nicer than having to have a human do those things for me. I’ve got my independence back again and I’m never on my own.

It varies day to day what Kibble does for me. On a tough day Kibble will jump on the bed, help me sit up, pull my covers back and get me out of bed. He will get me my towel when I get out of the shower, he will help me get dressed and does my zips and velcro. He will load and unload my washing machine and tumble dryer.

He will pick up everything I drop, right down to a five pence piece. It absolutely amazes me what Canine Partners have trained him to do. He gets me my slippers, whether I want them or not, and will fetch me my boots. He helps me do the shopping and he gets me out in the fresh air. Kibble can also do an emergency alarm for me if I need help or fall down. I shout “bell!” and he presses it.

Kibble has had a big impact on my confidence and independence. I wouldn’t go out or answer any unknown phone calls. With Kibble, nothing is scary any more. He is by my side and I’m never alone. My confidence has come almost back to where it was and we go everywhere just the two of us, there is nowhere out of bounds.

Even though I can’t walk as well as I could and can’t go to work like I would like to, it does mean that I am 90% back to me which is wonderful. I never thought I would go back to being as happy as I was before and I am, he looks after me and I know I’m safe.

My life for my husband and children is back to normal. My husband is my husband and my kids are my kids. My husband used to phone me throughout the day and now I don’t hear from him really unless he needs something, because he knows if I need him Kibble will press the button or get me my phone so I can call him. He knows I’m safe. Both my children can go to school and university. Ever since I brought Kibble home, my son can go to school without worrying who would look after me. Their grades have gone up too. He’s had an effect on the whole family not just me.

I can’t imagine life without Kibble now. I don’t like to think about the day he will be retired, because he’s my right hand man and keeps me happy and safe. He’s so cheeky too. I couldn’t imagine life without Kibble and I wouldn’t want to imagine life without Kibble. He’s everything.

I can’t thank Canine Partners enough really. They told me he was cheeky and he is. He’s given me a happy life again. It’s amazing to have Kibble.

Jackie was partnered with chocolate Labrador Babs in July 2015. This is her story:

My name is Jackie Topp, I am 55 years old and my canine partner is Babs. We were partnered in 2015 and I had been on the waiting list for about 11 months so I was very lucky to be partnered so quickly.

I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and I have been a wheelchair user for a long time, about 25 years. I’m not able to walk around and my condition is degenerative which means I can do less and less as the years go by.

I had my first evidence of MS when I was 22, but I wasn’t actually diagnosed definitively until I was 29. Before Babs, my husband and I had a little Jack Russell terrier. He was lovely but he was pretty useless at doing things for me!

He sadly passed away in 2013 and I said to my husband ‘I think I really need a dog that can do something for me’ as I have seen my friend with her canine partner. I knew it would open up so many avenues for me, so I applied.

Gaining independence with Babs

I was always asking my husband to get me things and pass me things, so I wanted to become more independent. I am an independent person so I wanted to be able to do things for myself or have something that would be able to do those things for me. That’s what Babs means to me.

Although the things I ask her to do are really small, they make my life so much easier. I had to rely on my husband, he was everything. He helped me do everything and did it all for me when I couldn’t do it myself. Without Babs there doing everything she does now, I had to keep asking him to do really small tasks, like getting me the TV remote and those sorts of things. It really irritated me because why can’t I get it myself? It was difficult and really hard as I didn’t like to ask people to do that sort of thing for me.

I first came across Canine Partners when a friend had a canine partner. I thought ‘wow, this is something I can really find a benefit from’. So I made my application and thought I would be waiting a really long time. I was lucky as it didn’t take as long as I thought.

Babs had been partnered with someone else before me but had been returned because the person was moving to a care home and wanted to give her to someone who needed her more, which I think was really selfless and I’m so grateful for that person. She was matched with my needs and 11 months later we brought her home.

How Babs helps

Babs does lots of things for me, mostly anything to do with bringing things to me or taking things away.

She’ll help me by taking of my shoes, socks and trousers off, she’ll take off my coat, she’ll bring me slippers or shoes, and she’ll take my gloves off.

She’ll open drawers and doors, taking things out of drawers and passing them to me. She’ll help me get the washing out of the washing machine and sort things into piles. She can also get the milk out the fridge and go shopping with me, where she’ll get things off the bottom shelf for me and she can also get the milk out of the big crates for me because sometimes they’re so far back I can’t reach them. It’s so helpful, but sometimes I think I need a giraffe because neither of us can reach the top shelf!

Greater confidence as a partnership

Babs has particularly helped me with my confidence in the last nine months. My husband died last year in February and having Babs has really helped me to cope better with that loss.

She’s my reason for getting up in the morning and my reason for going out. She makes me get out and talk to people and to get fresh air, otherwise I wouldn’t go out at all. I can’t imagine life without Babs now. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I couldn’t not have her in my life now for many reasons. She’s the closest thing to me with a beating heart. I really couldn’t do without her. Thank you Canine Partners for giving me my partner.

Richard was partnered with black Labrador Shuter (known as Shuey) in February 2017. This is his story:

My name is Richard and I am 22 years old. I have cerebral palsy quadriplegia, which means the messages don’t get from my brain to my limbs. The symptoms are difficulties with co-ordination, posture and balance, as well as stiff or weak muscles and multiple spasms. I also have chronic pain.

Waiting for a match

Other than college, I didn’t really have anything to make me get up when I didn’t feel like it. I spent a lot more time in bed than I do now.

When I got the call to say I was on the waiting list for a Canine Partners assistance dog I was so excited but wasn’t sure what to expect. While I was waiting for a canine partner I had my phone on all the time, even in college I told them I wasn’t turning my phone off because I was waiting for the phone call!

Training with Shuey

My training at the charity’s Southern Centre in January 2017 has to be the most fun, yet toughest, two weeks of my life. It was very full on.

We had to learn the basics, like practicing going through a door in my powerchair together, over and over again. Even though Shuey was young and enthusiastic, he was also very calm and patient.

Life with Shuey

Before I had Shuey, I couldn’t really do anything on my own. Something as simple as going shopping was off limits to me, which was a big problem. But now that I have Shuey, I can go out independently and he helps me with all sorts of things. He will accompany me around the shops and help me get my wallet so I can pay.

I once asked Shuey to get some cookies off a shelf in the supermarket and a woman who worked there started screaming – I think she thought he was just helping himself!

Shuey comes with me to the cinema and restaurants, and also when I have hospital appointments. He event comes with me to boccia, which is a precision ball sport closely related to bowls and petanque. This sport is devised specifically for wheelchair users. Shuey is never tempted to retrieve the balls, luckily!

When we are at home, he gives me a lot of support with day-to-day tasks like helping me take out my sleep system and getting me up and dressed in the morning. He will also retrieve my phone if I need it, puts all of his toys away and helps me take my hoody off. He basically helps me with the things I wouldn’t want to ask my parents to help me with all the time.

It’s not all work for Shuey though – I make sure he gets to enjoy his leisure time as well. He has free runs, and because we live in Birmingham there are a few other local partnerships that we socialise with when we can. I swear Shuey can recognise another canine partner as he seems to play in a different way with them.

An amazing partnership

Life after Shuey is much less painful as I don’t have to do everything because he can do things for me. I don’t have to hang out of my chair to get things anymore. Even if I don’t have anything to do, there is always something with him I need to do. I was never not confident, but he has definitely made me more independent and I can now do those things on my own that I couldn’t do before.

The bond between us is strong, it’s almost like he’s an extension of me. On the very rare occasions that I go somewhere without Shuey, I still find myself giving him the commands or cues out of habit, as if he’s by my side. It makes me realise how much I rely on him. I don’t think you will ever find a partner that will say they can imagine living their life without their dog.

Becky was partnered with yellow golden retriever x Labrador Gino in September 2013. This is her story:

I have Cerebral Palsy, which occurred through premature birth and a lack of oxygen to my brain. It means I am unable to walk and use a wheelchair full time.

Before Gino, I felt frustrated and tired. Everything took triple the time and there were some things that I just couldn’t do or wasn’t confident enough to do on my own.

I felt lonely and really frustrated with myself and wanting to be able to do more but not necessarily wanting support all the time. I didn’t want to have another adult, carer or PA with me all the time, not that there is anything wrong with that but I’m very independent and always try to be as independent as possible.

Discovering Canine Partners

There used to be an event in Cheltenham called Paws in the Park and Canine Partners had a stand. I didn’t know what it was about but I saw this lovely dog and wanted to say hello.

I spoke to the lady stood at the stand and realised what the charity was and what it did. I said I would love a dog but I’m probably too able and she looked at me and said “no not at all, you would be the perfect type of candidate because you need to take care of the dog as well in the partnership” and that was it then!

I went home and filled out the form, then waited for what seemed like ages. I was on the waiting list for nearly two years, which is a long time but well worth the wait.

Life with Gino

Life with Gino now is so much better, so much easier and I have much more confidence in my own abilities. I can do so much more because I can conserve my energy. All of the little things that would take ages, like opening my back door to go outside, it was such a mission by the time you had done it you wanted to just go back to bed.

Not being able to close my own door meant I couldn’t go out on my own. Even just being able to go the corner shop on my own is amazing and being able to get things off the shelf without having to ask another human being. Even simple things like passing my purse to the cashier means I don’t need to worry about dropping all the money, because I used to get so nervous and worry about making a fool of myself. I don’t have to worry about it anymore.

Everyone always says “Your dog is so beautiful and so clever” and it makes me really proud. I am so proud of him, which then gives me the confidence to know I’m doing the right thing. I am much more confident now to express myself to people. I’m very protective of Gino and know what’s right and wrong for him, now I’m not afraid to stand up for him and myself. It makes me feel stronger and more part of society.

An amazing partnership

Not relying on other people anymore is really freeing and like I’m my own person. I can stand on my own two feet (excuse the pun!) or my own four wheels, whichever way you want to look at it. I am me on my own.

I couldn’t have asked for a greater canine partner than Gino. I can’t imagine life without Gino. What I love about our partnership more than anything is that I know he wants to do what he does for me. He’s not being forced and he does it because he genuinely cares. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that before from anybody, that unconditional love.

If he thinks for one second that I’m in trouble or something bad is going to happen he’s right there. He doesn’t necessarily know what to do other than to put his paws on my shoulders to give me a hug and lick me all over, but that is his way of showing affection! You couldn’t ask for anything more really.

Thank you to the charity and to everybody that enabled Gino to become part of my life because he’s made it so much better in so many ways. He wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the people that did that for him and for me, so I’m very grateful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=berVj0uhl6I

We are thrilled that Jackie Kennedy and canine partner Kingston have been featured on the NHS England website and clinical commissioning group (CCG) bulletin, sharing how Kingston has transformed her life for the better.

Kingston, a black Labrador, has been partnered with Jackie since 2015 and knows close to 200 commands. This enables him to carry out fundamental tasks to support Jackie who has Cauda Equina, spinal stenosis, diabetes and a brain injury.

Some of these tasks include picking up dropped items, opening doors and fetching the phone or a blanket. He also helps Jackie when the pair are out and about, by taking items off of shelves and handing her debit card to the cashier.

By helping Jackie manage her physical disabilities, Kingston has helped saved the NHS over 60 ambulance trips in 2017 alone. In addition to this, Jackie no longer requires physiotherapy and visits her GP far less than she did before Kingston bound into her life. Supported by her personal health budget from the NHS, Jackie is able to care for Kingston’s needs for £3,000 per year.

Although initially trained to carry out physical task work, Kingston has learned to detect epileptic seizures 45 minutes before they happen, and he can also predict her hypo and hyperglycaemic attacks. Kingston can then use the skills taught by Canine Partners to bring Jackie’s hypo-kit to her, sound an alarm when needed and open the door to paramedics.

Most importantly though, Kingston has provided Jackie with a new lease of life. Her family no longer have to worry about her, and she can manage her health more effectively. Having an assistance dog instead of a carer has also allowed Jackie to live a much more independent life:

“I wasn’t looking to the future – with Kingston I’ve got a future, and that future is full of life and adventure”.

With her new found zest for life, Jackie is actively involved with her local clinical commissioning group (CCG) called Realising Change. This peer group work together to look at ways of supporting people with disabilities in their health and wellbeing.

Read more about Jackie and Kingston’s story on the NHS England website.