Canine Partners –
opening doors to independence
15/12/06: Hannah Newberry and Jenny Lowe
Canine Partners assists people with disabilities to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life through the help of specially trained dogs.
Training techniques based on behaviour, play, praise and reward develop eight-week-old puppies into highly skilled and talented Canine Partners.
On completion of their training, Canine Partners can respond to approximately one hundred commands, including:
* Operating a pedestrian crossing or lift button
* Retrieving a wide variety of items as required, for example keys, an inhaler, crutches or the 'phone
* Handing over a purse and items at the checkout
* Assisting with dressing and undressing
* Carrying out a range of emergency response procedures
Two's Company
A Canine Partner willingly offers companionship, unconditional love and affection and a sense of security and support, which are all essential to human health and well-being. In the process of learning to care for and manage their dog, a Partner experiences a sense of achievement and purpose, which helps in building self-esteem, self-confidence and motivation.
Social Interaction
Whilst out exercising and playing games in the park, or working in the supermarket and then paying at the checkout, the extraordinary Canine Partner is a catalyst for conversation when meeting new people and increases their Partner's social interaction.
To Boldly Go
To care for and manage a Canine Partner involves being responsible for daily exercise, feeding, grooming and playing which requires a person to discover new strategies to complete these tasks. This increased activity not only helps to maintain a person's muscular strength and joint mobility, but can also encourage a sense of achievement, self-worth and self-esteem.
A Partnership Perspective
Jenny Lowe developed rheumatoid arthritis after she miscarried her fifth child. Her disease is slow and progressive, so she now permanently uses a wheelchair.
“My husband left me for our son’s girlfriend in 1998, not only rejecting me but our four children,” comments Jenny. “In the midst of the trauma, our pet dog had to be put to sleep due to cancer and I thought I would never have another dog.”
Fortunately, a friend of Jenny’s had seen a demonstration by Canine Partners and suggested she applied. “At that time, I was reliant on my children and family to assist me with many tasks. Although being in a wheelchair wasn’t as bad as I originally thought it would be, I tried to stay independent.”
Encouraged by her family, Jenny applied to Canine Partners never expecting to succeed. “Free, a chocolate Labrador, was the last of four dogs I tried on my assessment day and as soon as we met he stayed with me until I left for home. It felt like he belonged by my wheelchair and I was sad to say goodbye. Luckily I was invited to attend the residential training course and despite the hard work, it was worth every minute. The other two ladies on the course and myself shared tears of sadness, frustration and sheer joy and were so supported by all members of the Canine Partners staff.”
“I returned home with Free totally elated, this was beyond my wildest dreams! He had felt so right and was chosen for me! In the morning Free helps me out of bed and throughout the day he’ll pick things up, empty the washing machine, pay for shopping and many other things able bodied people take for granted. Above and beyond that, he’s given my family peace of mind. I’m never alone and I have purpose in my life. Free has given me back the confidence and independence I’d lost, and I look forward to every day being different . It isn’t all work - we enjoy playtime together; he takes my mind off the pain and makes me smile. Best of all, I fall in love with him again regularly.”
“Since finding out about Canine Partners, my life has changed beyond recognition. Exactly eight years on, we’ve travelled all over the country, meeting many interesting people and talking about how Free enhances my life. We enjoy fundraising together and raising awareness for Canine Partners. What’s more, Free is recognised as my carer and his financial needs are met by the Government through the Direct Payment Scheme.”
As a registered charity Canine Partners receives no government funding and is wholly dependent on public donations and legacies. The Charity is always looking for fundraisers and volunteers, as well as people willing to act as puppy parents or foster puppies for short periods of time. Many partners, including Jenny, are also available for speaking opportunities.
For further information or applying for a Canine Partner, please call 08456 580480 or visit www.caninepartners.co.uk.