25 years of transforming lives

2015 is a very special year as we celebrate 25 years of partnering our amazing dogs with people with disabilities. But how did Canine Parters start?

Canine Partners was founded in 1990, thanks to Anne Conway (Assistance Dogs enthusiast and dog welfare campaigner) and Liz Ormerod (well-known vet and Animal Assisted Therapy expert) , who had spent several years researching Assistance Dog programmes worldwide during the late 1980's. Canine Partners was based on the model of The SOHO Foundation of Holland, an established assistance dogs programme.

Anne and Liz were joined by Nicky Pendleton who, as an Occupational Therapist, brought expertise in the field of disability, and by Roger Jefcoate CBE who became our Vice President and sponsored the training of the first three dogs, Alex, Angus and Alfred, in 1994.The Charity rented various Hampshire-based premises over the years. It wasn't until 2003 that we began to operate from a Training Centre of our own, in Heyshott, West Sussex. A former polo yard and farm with various outbuildings, the Heyshott site had potential for conversion to specialist facilities. Dogs were trained while building-work progressed and the Centre was officially opened in 2005 by our Patron, HRH the Duke of Gloucester. Our facilities lead the way in accessibility for disabled people. 

We have progressed to a stage where we need a second training facility and are currently developing premises in Osgathorpe in Leicestershire. When complete in a couple of years time this will allow us to double the amount of dogs we train a year.

We are indebted to all those who have played their part in getting us to where we are today, and to the funders of our facilities including The National Lottery, The Bradbury Foundation, The Clothworkers' Foundation, The Henry Smith Charity, The James Tudor Foundation, The Lockwood Family Foundation, The Monument Foundation, The Patrick Frost Foundation. We also thank Colonel and Mrs Alan Jukes, Lord and Lady Kindersley, and a whole range of other trusts and individuals from our "extended family" in the community - your generosity has helped to make our dreams become reality.

With over 1 million people using wheelchairs in the UK, we are aware that there is still a great deal of work for us to do, and our next step must be to complete our second Training Centre in the Midlands.

How a canine partner helps

Our dogs are trained to assist with a range of practical tasks such as:

• Opening and closing doors and cupboards 
• Retrieving a variety of items 
• helping you to get undressed 
• pressing buttons and switches 
• raising the alarm in an emergency 
• unloading washing machines and tumble driers 
• much more besides, depending on your individual needs

Our canine partners provide practical day to day assistance with tasks that may be difficult, painful or impossible to perform. They also provide that special companionship, unconditional love and affection which is so unique to dogs.

Social interaction

Whilst out exercising and playing games in the park, or working in the supermarket and handing over their partner's purse at the checkout, the extraordinary canine partner is a catalyst for conversation, meeting new people and increasing their partner’s opportunity for social interaction. You stop being "that disabled person in a wheelchair" and start being "the person with the really cool dog".

To boldly go

To care for and manage a canine partner involves being responsible for daily exercise, feeding, grooming and playing. Dogs give you a reason to get up in the morning and to get out of the house, exercising. This increased activity can help to maintain muscular strength and joint mobility, particularly when the dog has been specially trained to fit in with a physiotherapy programme......and of course a dog puts a smile on your face too :)

Reducing your need for help from other people

Nobody likes to ask for help from other people - so why should you have to do this just because you use a wheelchair? It's been described to us as "like having your soul and identity chipped away, every time you ask for help". Our canine partners stop you from having to ask for help, so your soul and identity are preserved. You may also be able to reduce your reliance on a carer too. That's what independence is all about. That's why we believe so passionately in our Mission.