ISLAND LIFE
Perfect
partnership
A charity that trains assistance dogs to
transform the lives of ex-servicemen
and women and civilians with
disabilities, has one of its 12 UK
puppy satellites on the Isle of Wight.
Canine Partners’ puppy satellite was
set up on the Island four years ago,
and during that time 24 puppies have
been guided by puppy parents who
give time and dedication to helping
the young dogs.
A fully qualified canine partner
performs a range of tasks including
unloading the washing machine,
retrieving dropped items, opening and
closing doors, undressing their partner,
helping with shopping and fetching
help in an emergency.
The pups start basic training at eight
weeks, spending a year with their
volunteer puppy parents learning
the core tasks, before moving on to
advanced training which takes around
five months, before they are matched
with a disabled person. Applicants
then attend a residential course at the
training centre in West Sussex during
which time they work with their
canine partner before going home
together.
There are currently five puppies in
early training with their puppy parents
on the Island. Four more have moved
into advanced training and seven are
out working with disabled people,
making a real difference to their lives.
Newest recruits Heathcliff and
Humphrey are just starting out on
their journey to be canine partners.
Their puppy parents will be with them
24/7, teaching them basic obedience
and some of the core tasks that will
one day make such a difference to the
lives of people with disabilities. Puppy
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www.visitislandlife.com
Ann Bird (left) with Heathcliff and Julie Wilson wih Humphrey
parents attend weekly puppy classes
on the island held by Debbie Flux, the
Charity’s satellite trainer.
Debbie says: “We are indebted to
the volunteers who give their time,
dedication and love to our puppies,
taking them on for a year then having
to give them up as they move onto
their advanced training! Without
our puppy parents we would not be
able to continue our work. We are
always looking for more people on the
island to join our happy band, so if
you love dogs and would like to make
a difference to someone’s life, then
please get in touch.”
One former Island pup is Mungo,
who is partnered with Barbara
Houston, who says: “Mungo has
changed my life! He immediately
picks up anything I drop; he empties
the washing machine, opens and closes
doors, and fetches the phone.
“My husband Barrie is now able to
go out and leave me without worrying,
knowing that Mungo will keep me
safe. Mungo is able to undress me, so I
no longer need Barrie to do this for me
– another step t owards independence.
To me, he is a dog in a million, and I
wouldn’t be without him.”
The Canine Partners charity receives
no Government funding and relies
solely on donations from the public.
Anyone wishing to be a puppy
parent should contact Debbie Flux on
07808 968409, or email isleofwight@
caninepartners.org.uk. If you or
someone you know could benefit from
a canine partner then please visit www.
caninepartners.org.uk.