Bugsy, an eleven year old golden retriever, brought her owner Samantha Blunt to our monthly meeting in June.  Bugsy is one of 340 dogs coached by Canine Partners to help with practical tasks.  We saw video footage of Bugsy getting the washing out of the machine, picking up a dropped phone, opening cupboard doors and posting a letter.  Sam explained that her disability was progressive and she had been ‘paired’ with Bugsy since March 2015.  The vetting process is thorough both to check that a canine partner would be helpful and that the dog and owner can bond.

The training is extensive and includes early basic puppy training followed by more advanced training at a centre in Leicestershire where the dogs are taught to walk alongside a wheelchair for instance.  The canine partner is trained with their owner to meet their specific needs. Once placed the aftercare includes follow up visits and advice.  All this costs money of course.  We support Canine Partners by collecting used postage stamps, old mobile phones and jewellery for instance.  It’s estimated that it costs around £30,000 for the training and aftercare for each Canine Partner with a two-year waiting list to get a dog.

Frank Wilson regularly sends parcels to the charity on behalf of members.  There’s a box for suitable items at each meeting.

Thank you, Sam, for bringing Bugsy and for an interesting talk on the work of Canine Partners.

Rosemary McClements