Vivapets Blog

National charity Canine Partners, who has offices in West Sussex, Bedford, East Scotland, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucester, Hull, Isle of Wight, Southampton and West Scotland, is celebrating 20 years of training assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities.  

The Charity was founded in 1990 by Anne Conway, assistance dogs enthusiast and dog welfare campaigner, and Liz Ormerod, a vet and animal-assisted therapy expert.  They were joined by occupational therapist, Nicky Pendleton, who brought expertise in the field of disability, and Roger Jefcoate, who sponsored the training of the first three dogs in 1994.  After several years spent working from various premises in Hampshire, in 2003 Canine Partners bought a polo yard and farm with outbuildings in Heyshott, near Midhurst, in West Sussex and set about converting it to specialist facilities.  The training centre was officially opened in 2005 by the Charity’s Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

2009 saw the completion of the building work when one of the two former stable blocks was converted into fully accessible specially adapted accommodation for people with disabilities when they attend the two-week training courses; and the other into a kitchen/dining room designed especially for use by wheelchair users.

More than 1.2 million people in the UK use a wheelchair, and a significant number of those would benefit from a canine partner.  The dogs are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging.  They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency.  The Charity aims to train dogs to meet the needs of people with even the most complex disabilities including members of HM Armed Forces.

These life transforming dogs also provide practical, physiological, psychological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence as well as increased motivation and self-esteem.  A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction.

In September 2009, Canine Partners chief executive Terry Knott retired after seven years of heading up the Charity and Andy Cook, director of operations, took over the helm.  Andy had already moved the Charity on with regard to the dog side of Canine Partners’ work, increasing activity and quality, developing more puppy satellites around the UK and creating more life-changing partnerships each year.  In taking over the chief executive role, Andy hopes to build on the Charity’s success to date, and has big plans for the next 20 years.  “I aim to see Canine Partners grow and develop,” he says, “with the objective of reaching as many people with disabilities in the UK as possible.  It is our intention that in the future, anyone with a physical disability who could benefit from a specially trained assistance dog, will have the opportunity of having their lives transformed by a canine partner.  However, since we receive no government funding, we can only achieve this goal if the public continue to generously support us with donations and gifts in Wills.”

To date, the Charity has created more than 135 partnerships.  Wendy Hilling and canine partner Edward graduated in May 2008.   She says: “I love Edward more than I ever thought I could: with him I can fly.  The help he gives me is a bonus, and his companionship and his loyalty are the best thing about having him. He is always there for me.  I have reduced my painkillers since having him. If he thinks I am ok - I am ok. I love him more than life itself.  I hold his lead – he holds my heart.”

 
About Canine Partners
Canine Partners is a registered charity that assists people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs, whose well-being is a key consideration.  

More than 1.2 million people in the UK use a wheelchair, and a significant number of those would benefit from a canine partner.  The dogs are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging.  They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency.  The Charity aims to train dogs to meet the needs of people with even the most complex disabilities including members of HM Armed Forces.

These life transforming dogs also provide practical, physiological, psychological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence as well as increased motivation and self-esteem. A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction.

Canine Partners receives no government funding and relies solely on public donations and gifts in Wills.
 
For further information or to identify a partnership near you, please contact:
Jenny Moir                  T 01730 716001      M 07889 056692  E  jennym@caninepartners.org.uk

Hannah Newberry,
T: 01329 830408, M: 07771561567, E: Hannah@leafagency.com

Canine Partners, Mill Lane, Heyshott, Midhurst, West Sussex  GU29 0ED
T 08456 580480   F 08456 580481   E info@caninepartners.org.uk

Visit Canine Partners’ Web site at www.caninepartners.org.uk
 
Registered charity number 803680      Registered in Scotland  SCO39050
Canine Partners for Independence. A charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 2516146