Canine Partners

Spring 2010

Canine Partners transforms the lives of people with disabilities, enabling them to live more independently by partnering them with highly trained assistance dogs. Training is tailor-made to the needs of the individual.  A number of their clients have RA and here Norah Fisher tells her story of how being partnered with her dog has transformed her life. 

Norah’s Story

Norah has lived with RA for 30 years and is severely disabled as a result of the disease. She has had a number of joint replacements and is due for her next replacement (her elbow) later this year. She has to use a wheelchair most of the time and is very limited in what she is able to do for herself on a day to day basis. In June last year she was paired with her first Canine Partner, Herbie, a blue Labradoodle. Herbie was almost 2 years old when he joined Norah and they are a devoted couple!

Norah had seen a demonstration held by Canine Partners some years ago and had thought that ‘one day I’ll need help like that’ and early last year felt that the time had come to ask for that help. Norah lives alone in Worthing, and leads a busy life as a local councillor, and wanted to be able to maintain her activities without being totally reliant on others to enable her to do so and keep as much independence as she was able.

Following a consultant’s report and OT’s report, Canine Partners got in touch and carried out their own assessment to see what sort of dog would be suitable for her. A number of factors need to be taken into account – height, what the dog needs to help with, temperament and personality to name a few! Norah was shown a number of dogs and immediately fell in love with Herbie. They then both attended a two week residential course at the charity’s headquarters in Heyshott, Sussex where they learned to work together and get to know each other.

Herbie helps Norah with everyday tasks such as picking things up, fetching things, reaching things down from shelves, opening and shutting doors and will put the washing in the machine for her and then get it out again when it is finished! On evenings when her carer does not come, Herbie will get her undressed and help her get ready for bed. He fetches the post and helps her open it by pulling the envelopes open – something Norah finds particularly difficult with her badly affected hands. When they are out he can put the shopping in her bag for her and opens automatic doors with his nose.

Norah says ‘We’re the best of friends and he’s a really clever lad. He’s always one step ahead. It’s like being in love, everything is perfect! He makes me feel so safe. Before I had Herbie I worried about the future but now I don’t feel I have to think about it – he’s my right hand man. He has brought me such companionship and given me a huge confidence boost. It’s like having a permanent friend. It’s so important to me to be able to retain my independence and Herbie has allowed me to do that.’

If you would like to know more about how Canine Partners might be able to help you visit their website at www.caninepartners.org.uk or call 08456 580480 or email them at info@caninepartners.org.uk.