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Canine Partners WINTER MAGAZINE 2013

OPENING DOORS TO INDEPENDENCE

Downton Abbey star’s support Dr Clarkson actor David Robb meets the Canine Partners’ team

Melvin’s story... How life was changed forever by ‘his wonderful’ partner Alice

PLUS!

Fields Farm; the builders move in Summer Show a huge hit Queen meets our Zoe at Holyrood CEO Andy’s BIG Adventure Author chooses us for new novel Our Christmas cards on sale now

Training assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities

canine partners // the magazine

WELCOME

Canine Partners: Winter Magazine Canine Partners, Mill Lane, Heyshott, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0ED Magazine advertising: Cat Harvey catharvey@canine partners.org.uk

THE CYCLING CEO: Andy Cook photographed just days before his epic trip

Our story just gets better Where to begin? The Canine Partners story just gets better and better every time I put pen to paper for our regular magazine. It’s not only because we have some of the very best supporters and volunteers there are, but also because we are already having a record-breaking year and there are still a few months to go. We are on track to create a record number of partnerships during 2013 and we have started work on building our second training centre, near Loughborough in the Midlands. I’m not sure news gets any better, or any bigger, for Canine Partners. And just when you think you’ve heard it all, our amazing supporters take on the kind of challenges that stop you in your tracks and make you proud to be associated with such a wonderful cause. I’m talking, of course, about The Stupid Six, who cycled from Leicester Square to Casino Square in Monte Carlo; the fabulous Deborah Herridge, who trained for her own age-based triathlon and had world champions wishing her well; and, of course, the Calais to Amsterdam skateboarding crew who carried all their kit on their backs for their epic seven-day trip. But perhaps one of the most memorable images of the past few months is of teenager Ben Graves flying through the air wearing his Canine Partners furry headband and t-shirt as he jumped over the Cambridgeshire countryside to raise money for us. Ben, at just 16, used his skydive birthday gift to raise money for us. And we thank him and everyone else who has gone the extra mile, vertical or otherwise, for us so far

this year. Over the past few months we have also had a few brushes with royalty as our intrepid teams all across the UK have been spreading the Canine Partners word. Both HM The Queen and HRH The Countess of Wessex have made a beeline for our wonderful dogs and their partners over the summer months. Without a doubt we have a nationwide team of which we can be proud. And that team is growing all the time. Recently we have been delighted to welcome new support groups operating around the UK. And in this issue we meet an established support group and a newly established team to find out how they do it and what it means to them. Among our regular stories we feature our new recruits, both furry and otherwise, and a personal account by author Alice Peterson about why she chose to place a canine partnership at the heart of her latest novel. All that remains for me to say is a personal thank you to all the staff, volunteers and friends who have supported my own personal fundraising for Canine Partners this year. My Brighton Marathon success as well as the punishing but ultimately highly rewarding cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats have been experiences to cherish, made all the more special with every passing mile because I know full well what a difference our dogs make to their human partners. Onwards and upwards and a very big thank you to all.

Andy Cook, CEO Canine Partners

Content: Jenny Moir, Myrid Ramsay, Alice Peterson Editing, design and production: Myrid Ramsay, email: myridr@ caninepartners.org.uk Print: Icon Digital Communications Ltd, London, N7 9DP call: 0207 609 8110, email: info@iconcomms.co.uk Distribution: Romax, London General enquiries: 08456 580480 or email: info@caninepartners.org.uk Merchandise enquiries: 01730 716032 Press Office: 01730 716001 Donations: 08456 580480 Events and Challenges: Holly Bryan, 01730 716013 or email: hollyb@caninepartners. org.uk Corporate: 01730 716018 or email: catharvey @caninepartners.org.uk COVER PHOTO: Actor David Robb photographed with Zack by Canine Partners Head of PR, Jenny Moir, at Canine Partners Training Centre, Heyshott, Midhurst, West Sussex. Canine Partners is a registered charity: No. 803680. Scotland SC039050 Advertisements: Canine Partners cannot be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of accepting goods or services contained in any advertisement contained in this magazine.

canine partners // the magazine

contents

l OUR STAMP APPEAL

Inside this issue NEWS

FEATURES

10 &11

Sophie’s Choice OUR PAT: Doing well in training

Don’t forget to save those Christmas stamps and send them to our Pat The stamps are really starting to roll in now and we have managed to raise over £4,000 for our stamp appeal puppy Pat. Thank you to everybody who continues to collect stamps for us. There are too many to be able to thank but we want to make sure you get the updates through the newsletter. Pat is doing extremely well in his training – here is a picture of him looking at his most handsome. Please save all your stamps from Christmas and keep sending them in – we want to raise enough to take Pat through his advanced training.

Summer fun

How the Duchess chose us

When Marc the Vet came to visit us just as our annual show got into full swing

Bake delight

Our littlest baking fundraisers make a difference for us

Novel date

Author Alice welcomes our Eileen and Jon to her book launch

23to 27

An honour

Founder Elizabeth is recognised

Taking the plunge The challengers who made us jump for joy

The appeal address is: Canine Partners Stamp Appeal P O Box 638 Fareham Hampshire PO14 9JJ

PLUS! You can Adopt a Puppy on pages 34 & 35

Come and see for yourself what we do .. our Heyshott Information Session dates for 2014 If so, please contact The Puppy Office on 01730 716017 or email puppyoffice@caninepartners.org.uk to find out more

11 February 14 March 26 March 10 April 12 May 29 May

Tuesday 2pm Friday 11am, 2pm Wednesday 11am Thursday 11am, 2pm Monday 11am, 2pm Thursday 2pm

2 June 17 June 16 July 30 July 15 August 21 August

Monday 11am Tuesday 11am & 2pm Wednesday 11am Wednesday 2pm, 6.30pm* Friday 11am Thursday 2pm, 6.30pm*

8 September 30 September 10 October 23 October 10 November

Monday Thursday Friday Thursday Monday

11am, 2pm 11am 11am, 2pm 11am 11am, 2pm

*Evening session

Contact Julie Graham for more details on julieg@caninepartners.org.uk Canine Partners reg. charity nos 803680 & SC039050 follow us on

canine partners // our supporters

OUR STAR SUPPORTER

The good doctor Downton Abbey star David Robb on life in one of the biggest shows on TV, his childhood friend, the faithful pup Roly, and what his character Dr. Clarkson would think of assistance dogs Downton Abbey star David Robb, who plays the hit ITV show’s Dr Clarkson, recently visited the Canine Partners training centre at Heyshott, West Sussex. Our Head of PR, Jenny Moir, gave the good doctor a guided tour and along the way got his views on an actor’s life, disability and what his own dog, Roly, a Welsh terrier, meant to him. Here’s what he told her:

is opposite the theatre and we arranged to meet there afterwards. The landlord was raising money for Canine Partners, and I met Claire Graham with canine partner Ulli afterwards. Claire was getting Ulli to do tasks and it was astonishing.

Q: What impresses you most about how a canine partner helps their disabled owner?

Q: How did you get into acting? A: The Head of English Department at the Royal High School in Edinburgh was brilliant. I was in school plays and really enjoyed taking part. I was all set for a career in the Scots Guards, but it was the 60s, and things did change in that era. I was in my mid teens in the mid-60s, which was Heaven! I changed my mind, and have not regretted it. I still have an interest in the Guards now and often wonder what life would have been like if I had joined. I would have been retired by now!

Q: What major TV and theatre productions have you been in?

A: Cinema is like a love affair while TV is like a one-night stand. No-one really remembers TV. Glittering Prizes with Tom Conti was what gave me a lift in 1976. That made a big difference. I played a character who was a Cambridge undergraduate who seemed to have everything, sharing a room with Tom Courtenay, but who is going to die from leukaemia. I went from there to playing leading roles. I was also in I, Claudius in 1976 and The Flame Trees of Thika in 1981.

Q: What’s it like to be part of something as huge as Downton Abbey?

WELCOME TO HEYSHOTT: Claire Graham and Ulli welcome Downton Abbey actor David Robb to our West Sussex training centre. A chance meeting in Eastbourne sparked the star’s interest in Canine Partners

A: Unique. None of the cast have ever experienced anything like it. Everyone’s astonished by it and it seems to go on and on. There have been ups and downs but now it seems to be going through a golden time. My character, Dr Clarkson, is not part of the family nor a servant and is something of a hybrid, and I am getting major recognition which is completely astonishing.

Q: What do you think Doctor Clarkson would think about the work our dogs do?

A: That’s a good question. He should have a Border terrier! He is a natural conservative with a small ‘c’. Julian Fellowes (the writer) said everyone should have a back story so we know who we are, so we all did. Dr Clarkson would have been born in 1865, mid-Victorian era and I think he would have viewed something like assistance dog charities as being admirable but completely hare-brained until he was confronted with the reality of dogs working.

Q: Do you have dogs?

A: No, I don’t now. I would love to have a dog but I never really know when I am going to have to drop everything and go somewhere. I had dogs when I was a kid – I remember a smooth-haired fox terrier called Jock. He died when I was nine years old, and I still remember the intense grief when he was put to sleep. I remember cuddling his head, and my parents coming back with the lead. Then I had a corgi. The main dog I had from the age of 10 to 21 was a Welsh terrier called Roly, and I adored him. He was my dog from boyhood to being a man.

Q: How did you hear about Canine Partners?

A: I was on a theatre tour in Eastbourne and I had an interview with the local press. The journalist said he was coming to the theatre with a friend who was disabled and she was bringing her dog. The pub in Eastbourne

A: The sheer degree of assistance that they can provide. I simply had no idea that it is possible train a dog to that level. One knew about guide dogs and hearing dogs, which is fabulous, but one can understand that. You just do not think of that degree of dexterity in terms of taking washing out of a machine. The animal is there assisting all the time and to such a high level of skill.

Q: What do you think about the facilities at the training centre in Heyshott?

A: I think it is absolutely wonderful, and I am pleased the Charity’s growing as well. There are lots and lots of small charities and making yourself heard is quite something, and the link with the Armed Forces is invaluable. I think it’s tremendous; it’s brilliant.

Q: Can Dr Clarkson suggest to one of his patients that they have a canine partner? A: I think it’s 80 years too early!

We would like to pay tribute to Briony, David’s wife (seen here with Canine Partners trustees David Filmer and Claire) who sadly passed away recently. Our condolences to David and his family.

canine partners // news bulletin

News BULLETIN l NATIONAL l NATIONAL

l ESSEX

Jewel was our campaign gem

OUR JEWEL: The pin-up pup This spring saw the 10th anniversary of our annual Bluebell Walks Campaign – a milestone marked by recordbreaking numbers and the most bluebell walks organised by our supporters right across the UK. As well as our usual highly successful walks, organisers in Essex and Scotland both found the time to pull out all the stops for extra walks in their areas. The 2013 Bluebell Walk campaign raised more than £12,000 and drew record numbers of participants in Essex and West Sussex, backed by a media campaign which saw our delightful poster girl Jewel, pictured above, appear in local and regional newspapers across the UK. l THANKS Wilma and Steven Beith, served up a treat at Elderslie Golf Club, Renfrewshire, to raise funds to train puppy Perry’s for his first year. A quiz night, with curry buffet, disco, raffle and auction raised £2,322. l MIDLANDS Nurse consultant Bethann Siviter, partnered with Taska, was shortlisted for the PPA Awards at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel in the Columnist of the Year category for her writing for the magazine Primary Health Care. While Bethann didn’t win she and Taska rubbed shoulders with BBC Top Gear star James May.

Essex community fundraiser Lindsay Hurrell has paid tribute to Mr and Mrs Christopher Palmer-Tomkinson for choosing us as one of the beneficiaries of their highly successful Little Bentley Hall Waterways and Garden Show, which took place on the weekend of 31 May - 2 June. They donated a marvellous £15,000 following the event which saw Canine Partners staff and volunteers, pictured, attend the event. “With a Gala Evening on the Friday and demonstrations taking place over the whole weekend it was a wonderful way to spread the word,” said Lindsay. She added: “I’d just like to say a massive thank you for all that wonderful support. It was simply fantastic.”

POPULAR PUPS: Sophie Countess of Wessex with Glenis above, and, right, with Zebedee and Mango

l NATIONAL

Our thrill at Sophie’s choice Sophie, HRH The Countess of Wessex, proved once again that she is one of our greatest supporters at the Inner Wheel Annual Association Conference in Plymouth. Just moments before she was due to address the ladies of the Inner Wheel, she spotted Glenis Lawrenson from the Heyshott Puppy Satellite with Mango and Zebedee. And before her security team could blink the Countess was by Glenis’ side stroking Canine

Partners’ demo dog Zebedee and pup-in-training Mango. More than 1800 delegates were at the conference in Plymouth in April where Canine Partners National Speaker Malcolm Wells addressed the Pavillions audience. Malcolm said: “We were thrilled when all of a sudden the Countess spotted the dogs and came over to see us. She is always a great supporter of what we do and it was a pleasure to meet her again.”

Three of our partnerships helped Sue’s husband, Mark, raised to raise a fabulous £2k in funds nearly half the money by being for Canine Partners with a sponsored to bounce in a dog sponsored bounce, with costume! Sue said: “We’ve had participants being sponsored per a great time and it was fantastic bounce! to meet the other partnerships. Partnerships Sue Holmes and We’re very grateful to Quizzy, Sue Park and Tod and Preston City Trampoline Club Jenny Osborne-Jones and Aero and everyone who helped out.” supported the event on the day at Preston City Trampoline Club, in the city. Organisers Sue Holmes and her sister Pauline Worthington put on the coffee morning and sponsored Partners The new range of Canine bounce to raise the Charity’s re we said it! The The ds. car s ma rist Ch profile as well as funds. gorgeous new team have chosen some n during the eve t tha designs to ensure Partners ine Can the iod per ive fest l HULL over the all out ting message is get page 31. Log Hull puppy parents and world. See the designs on .org.uk pups had a VIP guest at their on to www.caninepartners er. ord to for how training class recently: Diana Johnson, MP for Hull North pictured left, dropped in to watch the pups being trained. She chatted to puppy parents, and enjoyed meeting all the pups – especially new recruits Tatum, Quanda and Sherling. Diana, a long-time dog lover, resisted pleas to become a puppy parent, but was so impressed with the work of the Charity that she has pledged to help raise awareness of Canine Partners among MPs in Westminster.

and how he helped Zoe. We all chatted for a couple of minutes, mainly about Canine Partners and our work. Of course, Her Majesty confirmed that she already knew about us and the work we do.” And he added: “She was intrigued and happy to know that we were placing our special dogs in Scotland too. “Our meeting was rounded off with a paw ‘shake’ from Remus and we said our goodbyes. “Needless to say we were all quite excitable for the remainder of the afternoon! “Raising awareness of Canine Partners doesn’t come much better than that.” Meanwhile new grandparents the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Charles and Camilla, were given a “I love CP” Bear for new grandson Prince George when the Royal couple visited a wet and windy Withernsea. The couple met only a handful of local people during their visit but thankfully Tatum’s puppy parents Fred and Lorraine Blackbourne were among the lucky few. Satellite trainer Tracy Westgarth and volunteers Phil and Barbara Caulton were also present.

to donate call 08456 580480

All three Canine Partners riders had to qualify to take part in the prestigious event, the first to include a carriage driving competition. Sue came third in her Open Carriage Driving Class while Sally picked up fifth in the same section. Janet qualified for the Carriage Driving Novice Class. Sue, who rides with the Happy Landings RDA Group in West Sussex, said: “It was a great honour to be there. It was an amazing weekend and we really did much better than I thought we would. “Lancelot was hot on the day but he took everything in his stride.”

Spring-loaded! Bouncing event a winner in Preston

By Royal Appointment

ROYAL FAN: HRH The Queen made a beeline for Zoe and Remus, pictured above

Three partnerships flew the Canine Partners flag when they took part in the annual Riding for the Disabled National Championships in Gloucestershire in July. Sue Sherlock, from Pulborough, who has cp Lancelot, Sally Scott, from Eastbourne, who has cp Nero and Janet Durrant, from Bedford with cp Xanthus, all took part in carriage driving classes at the Hartpury College event. The RDA National Championships is the biggest event of its kind for riders with disabilities; demonstrating over three days the very best of grassroots and world-class para-equestrianism. l PRESTON

l EDINBURGH

When HRH The Queen arrived in Scotland for her annual ‘Holyrood Week’ of engagements there was only one thing to be done … invite Canine Partners Scotland organiser Dale Gormley and partnership Zoe McLean and Remus to tea. Dale, Zoe, Remus and Zoe’s mum Barbara were invited to the annual Garden Party at the Palace of Holyrood in Edinburgh. And in the midst of more than 8,000 other guests Zoe and Remus were plucked from the crowd to meet with The Queen. Dale said: “We couldn’t get anywhere near the Royal Tea Tent where hundreds of people had lined up. Add in to the mix hundreds of umbrellas due to the rain and we had absolutely no chance of seeing anything. “I took a chance and asked if we could perhaps get a closer look. They parted the crowds and we got to the very front! We were there no more than a minute when an aide spotted Remus and asked if we would like to meet Her Majesty. “The next five minutes or so is a bit of a blur, but we were honoured and privileged to be introduced to The Queen. “She immediately asked about Remus

RDA trio take up reins at championships

We love..

We loved..

canine partners // heyshott summer show

SHOW TIME! 5

canine partners // heyshott summer show

for this .. the incredible enthusiasm the m Fro w. Sho r me year’s Sum azing tea tent Royal Oak pub to our am d and her to our very own Sara Rea show was the fts, cra Clover Hill Lane as for next ide any e hav you If . ner a win to take part year’s show or you’d like Green on Jill t or help out contac .org.uk ers rtn epa anin @c jillg

Events you could join in and help transform a life

Come along, we’d love to see you!

Our Santa Fun Runs

This year we have three Santa Fun Runs taking place for you to join in, so get on your Santa suit and start the Christmas season with a fun run to get you in the festive spirit! We have a new run in Hull across the Humber bridge, plus around the countryside village of Dunstall and through Bedford. You will receive a Santa suit with your registration and a mince pie on completion for your efforts! All funds raised go towards making more life changing partnerships for people with disabilities. All we are asking is that you raise just £30 sponsorship. And we will give you ideas on how you can do this. You can download a registration form from our website or call Holly on 01730 716013.

3 2

Help us this Christmas to make it special for those who desperately need a canine partner.

Upcoming events

A summer spectacular 1

The annual Summer Show 2013 at our Heyshott Centre in West Sussex was our best yet. We had more visitors than ever and more fun too! Formerly known as Puppies and Pimms, the show attracted a record number to our national training centre ready to take part in our fun dog classes, enjoy the stalls and watch our demonstrations. Special guest TV vet Marc Abraham officially opened the show and took his dog class judging duties very seriously. He awarded prizes for Dog with the Waggiest Tail, Dog Most Like Its Owner, The Dog Marc Would Most Like To Take Home and Best in Show. Nearly 1000 people packed the centre for the fun afternoon and were treated to a demo as well as the exhilarating Wagamuffins flyball competition where the

to donate call 08456 580480

October 16 Clink Restaurant, HMP High Down, Surrey 19 Jill and Friends Coffee and Chat, Clipston, Bedford 20 Petersfield Winter Market, Kingsley Support

7 6

kids took on the dogs in a flat out race. Visitors were also treated to kids’ dog handling classes, welly wanging and a host of independent stalls including the team from the nearby Royal Oak pub who supplied the bar and our amazing barbeque crew who kept everyone fed and happy on the day. The show was organised again by Libby Rome who this year was in the final preparations for her own special event, the arrival of her and her husband James’ first baby, Angus. Head of Regional Fundraising Jill Green said: “It was a fabulous show and our best event here at Heyshott ever. “We all thank Libby and the army of volunteers and supporters who have made this fantastic event so special.”

ALL SMILES: Photos from bottom left,1; Advanced Training Team Manager Vicky Martin, 2; Canine partner Whisky who attended with Kerenza Holzman, 3; visitors Scooby and Scrappy, 4; Marc the Vet and Rebecca Osbourne and Mindy, the dog he voted the one he’d like to take home 5; Harvey Harcourt-Smith tries wellie wanging 6; Wagamuffins Flyball team and 7; Will Bazley in the tea tent

November 1 Weir Foundation Ball, Glasgow 9 Charities Christmas Fair, Sussex 10 Petersfield Winter Market, Kingsley Support 12 Canary Wharf, London 16 Jill and Friends Coffee and Chat, Clipston, Bedford 23 Bedford Rotary Club Swimathon, Bedford 23 Christmas Fayre, Bedford

Make a date with us

December 1 Santa Fun Run, Our 2014 calendar is now available for Staffs sale. With images of our pups from across 1 Santa Fun Run, all our satellites it’s perfec t for planning Bedford those Canine Partners eve nts for the year 7 Jill and Friends ahead. And thanks to a cra fty bit of Coffee and Chat, planning you can even sen d the images as Clipston, Bedford postcards. Online now at www. 8 Humber Bridge caninepartners.org.uk/sh op/gifts/ Santa Fun Run, Hull. new -20 14-calendar. 12 Draycott Nursing Group Cost £5. Carol Concert, Chelsea, London For more information about our upcoming events please log on to www.caninepartners.org.uk or contact hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk or call 01730 716013

canine partners // news bulletin

News BULLETIN

A major A major milestone milestone

l PAISLEY

l NATIONAL

north of the border

Our Alice wins the public vote Pretty chocolate Labrador Alice has been Melvin O’Dowd’s constant companion and helper since November 2012. Not only does she perform all the tasks he requires but she also supports him through periods of Post Traumatic Stress that Melvin suffers as a result of a bomb blast when he was in the army and also the result of a road traffic accident. On several occasions when Melvin has blacked out and collapsed, Alice has quietly and calmly pulled the emergency cord, summoning medical help, despite only being shown this once during her advanced training. In recognition of these potentially life-saving acts, Alice was nominated for the Daily Mirror’s Hero Service Dog Award, with the winner being voted for by the paper’s readers. Alice was a runaway winner, and had the honour, along with Melvin, of attending a star-studded event in London. Turn to next page to read more about Melvin and Alice’s amazing partnership

The Great Romsey Charity Bake-Off

We love all dogs at Canine Partners. And we know that every dog makes a huge difference to their owner’s life. So tell us all about the dog who lights up your day. Write to: myridr@canine partners.org.uk with your story.

Big hearted Canine Partners supporters Sharnae Johnson and Molly Hider have turned their passion for baking into a fundraising success. Eight-year-old Sharnae and Molly, 14, both from Romsey in Hampshire, had learned how to make lemon curd and to bake cakes at school. So when they decided they wanted to use their new found skills to help others they chose Canine Partners and set up a stall to sell their produce to local walkers. The girls live near the Test Way and so had a lot of pedestrians to buy their home made peppermint creams and lemon curd. The girls raised £30 from their fun fundraising day with a little help from a local farmer who donated some strawberries.

Do you have an idea for a fun event?

Call Holly on 01730 716013 or at hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk and she will help make your fundraising idea a reality.

l WORTHING

Herbie takes to politic Adorable Isle of Wight-TRAINED Canine Partner Herbie has been given an official role as The First Dog of Worthing – and he has already been meeting celebrities as part of his new duties. The five-year-old Labradoodle now attends formal functions and accompanies the Lady Mayoress of Worthing, Norah Fisher, to her official functions. And the laidback chap has already met four times Paralympic Champion and five world swimming recordholder Ellie Simmonds at the opening of a new pool in the town. The Paralympic superstar stopped to spend time with Norah and Herbie as he played his part in the town’s civic life. Herbie was partnered with Norah, from Tarring in Worthing, in December 2009 and they are inseparable. Norah, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, has been a local councillor in the town for many years. Herbie’s latest foray into public life has made history in West Sussex. He even has his own twitter page to give an insight into his life as the First Dog of Worthing. Norah said: “We’re having a wonderful time. Herbie is now the Mayor’s Cadet and wears a badge

l HAMPSHIRE

Which furry friend lights up your day?

EASY DOES IT: Herbie takes time out from helping partner Norah, while inset, he meets Paralympian Ellie Simmonds

BAKE-OFF GIRLS: Big hearted Sharnae, left, and, above, Molly with their cakes

to donate call 08456 580480

of honour and even has his own twitter page. Herbie always gets the biggest applause wherever we go.” Vicky Martin, Advanced Training Team Manager, said: “Herbie was such a lovely dog to have with us when he was in training. It’s been great to watch him help Norah with all her duties.”

We love..

Bedford sbury’s in .. that Sain final fundraising day their st one day dedicated to us. In ju ir of the year 1,740 bringing the g d£ e in n is ai ra tr y e s th ard ain 9,800 tow total to £ he supermarket ch r. T e ke th f ar o P y y it p p ar h pu as their C ks! chose us dford. Than e B in ar Ye

To celebrate the growing success of our partnerships and the team in Scotland, a Partnership Day was held at the Paisley base used for the West Scotland Puppy Satellite training. To mark the occasion there was an unprecedented number of our local partnerships at the celebration. CEO, Andy Cook, who attended the event, said afterwards: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate what we have been able to achieve in Scotland. It was a very touching but fun day.” Scottish organiser Dale Gormley added: “With so much good news about Canine Partners it was fitting that so many of our local Scottish partnerships attended what I hope will be the first of many Scottish Partnership Days.” l HAMPSHIRE The Hordle Walhampton School Parents’ Association raised £7,170 at their Charity Summer Ball in July. The event in Lymington was supported by 180 parents and friends and attended by puppy parents Alison Bailey and Lesley Fisher. A hugely successful text auction saw some amazing prizes being won on the night. A further £350 was raised during the year by the children.

l FILM

Media buzz for students

l EAST SUSSEX

Southampton Solent University media students visited our Heyshott centre to film how Canine Partners operates. The three man team spent four hours with staff, our Advanced Training team and canine partnerships. Their film can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/ user/ukcaninepartners. Meanwhile, Duke of Edinburgh Award student Sean Pontikos produced a very emotive, professional film which you can also see at http://www.youtube.com/user/ukcaninepartners.

The Super Pet Dog Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park was a massive hit again this year raising an amazing £5,100. Operations Director David Bailey and the East Sussex puppy parents supported the annual event. Puppy parent Glenis Lawrenson, who helps organise the event, said: “It was great to have so much support. We had a fabulous day. A special thank you must go to Homestead Dog Club for their tireless work all year. They are a rare breed indeed!”

A super Super Pet Dog Show

canine partners // our partnerships

STAR PARTNER

Alice makes me feel very secure in

all the things that I do. In Alice I quite simply have the

best partner in the world

Melvin O’Dowd, ex Royal Regiment of Fusiliers newly graduated with his canine partner, Alice

MELVIN O’DOWD AND ALICE

Melvin graduated with canine partner Alice in 2012.

I was having back pain following my discharge from the Army. I had been with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and at that time the regiment served in Germany and Northern Ireland. It was while I was posted to Northern Ireland working on prisoner escort that I was injured during a bomb blast. I didn’t think that I had been hurt at the time but did suffer some back pain. As time went on the pain just got worse and worse. It was after a road traffic accident when I was taken to hospital that they took some scans for my back and explained why I was in such pain. I had been diagnosed with spinal injury and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But things got worse and finally I was using a wheelchair as the pain in my neck and back was so severe. I was in sheer agony and I still had my son, Lewis, 15, to look after on my own. He suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder, Dyslexia and

Dyspraxia and I was struggling to look after us both. I had worked with dogs while I was in the forces and knew what they could do. I started to think that maybe there were dogs that could help my situation. I did a Google search and there they were, Canine Partners. I didn’t apply straight away because I didn’t want to take a dog that someone else could have had, I didn’t want to waste Canine Partners’ time. Once I was settled in my new home, which is all on one level, I realised I still needed help and got in touch. It was the best thing I could have done. I had my training course at Heyshott in November 2012 and that’s when I met Alice. It’s no lie when I say that it feels like we have known each other for life. She just knows me and can sense everything about me. We are inseparable, she can sense when I am in pain and she knows instinctively when I need her and what I need. She also knows when I need space. We take life at each other’s speed. Everybody in my life seems to want something when I ask for help, but not Alice, she’ll do it because we are a partnership. At home Alice gets me up at 6am every morning on the dot. She gets a short walk and then breakfast at 7am. She then takes herself back to bed for another hour and a half. When I am ready she waits for me and helps me get dressed and ready for the day. She even gets my son Lewis out of bed. During the day she doesn’t take her eyes

off me. She watches over me all day as well as doing all sorts of tasks for me like undressing me, helping with the washing and making sure I get in and out the car safely. She will wait until I am ready every step of the day. She makes me feel very secure in all the things that I do. Whatever I ask of her she’ll give it a go. I can’t ask for more than that. It’s like we have been together forever. Recently I had my wheelchair on charge but managed to go to the bathroom. I had been suffering from neck pain and a headache and when I came out of the bathroom I collapsed. As soon as she saw me on the floor Alice pulled the emergency cord that I have at home. I had shown her how to use it only once, the day she came home with me from the centre, but she remembered and tugged the cord when she found me on the floor. Thanks to Alice within five minutes of collapsing I had carers with me and they had assessed me and called an ambulance. This wasn’t something Alice had been trained to do for me, it was something she just knew I needed. It’s just like Alice to do this. I was kept in hospital for tests to check whether I had a bleed on the brain as a result of the fall and all the time I was there Alice either slept on my bed or waited for me by the front door. Since then she has fetched help for me several times. In Alice I quite simply have the best

REAL CUTIE: Alice as a pup before she went on to transform Melvin’s life

‘

Date of birth: 2/8/1962 Location: Newcastle Disability: Spinal injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

to donate call 08456 580480

PARTNERS TOGETHER: Melvin with his beloved Alice, inset, Alice at our Heyshott training centre, West Sussex. Photo: Head of PR, Jenny Moir.

canine partners // news bulletin

News BULLETIN

Pup, pup and away!

Fly SDC, the South Downs College flight simulator, welcomed some very special passengers when they prepared for take-off - two of our pups, Tessie and Murray, were onboard

as part of their ongoing puppy training as well as Labrador Tita. Murray added accepting an airline boarding pass to his list of accomplishments. Derrick Standen and wife Annie, from

Don’t miss out on this magical festive evening l DIARY DATE

BOOK NOW FOR XMAS

We love..

r amazing ailey and he w years .. that Ali B st fe over the pa ppas and team have cu 0 60 re than poured mo rved 2800 slices of se baked and at their 00 scones cake and 12 Tea at Holywell ream glorious C They even y summer. er ev e us Ho gne pa am served a ch is year! th a te m crea

Mungo jury!

PUPPY POPPY PICNIC: From left, Jon and Varick, Stephen and Gino, Mike and Higgins

l LONDON

When black Labrador Mungo took his place in the jury box at Bournemouth Crown Court the canine partner made history by becoming the first assistance dog in that court. The four- year-old assistance dog was accompanying his partner Barbara Houston who had been called for jury service. And he was so well behaved throughout the nine day trial that presiding judge, His Honour Judge Peter Johnson, dubbed him “the thirteenth member of the jury”. Barbara, 59, who lives in Christchurch, Dorset, said following the trial: “We joked that he might bark once for Guilty and twice for Not Guilty, but in all seriousness I really would not have been able to do it without him.” Judge Johnson added: “It was both a pleasure and a new, positive experience.”

Our Ronnie and Ann create their own partnership

l THANKS

Royal British Legion support

Get that Christmas feeling with an evening of seasonal cheer, carols, readings and many of our dogs. And where could be better than the very church where Charles Dickens, the author of the ultimate Christmas story, was married. Set in the historic St Luke’s Church Chelsea, the evening will celebrate Christmas and through the generosity of the Draycott Nursing and Care all funds raised will help Canine Partners. To get your tickets for the Draycott Carol Service in aid of Canine Partners on Thursday, December 12 log on to the Canine Partners website, caninepartners.org.uk. Tickets £25 and £15 will include wine and nibbles. Angela Hamlin, of Draycott Nursing and Care said: “As a passionate dog lover and with personal experience of caring for a close relative, the team here continue to support the charity’s fundraising activities and the wonderful work that Canine Partners and their four pawed marvels continue to achieve.” l BOURNEMOUTH

Guilty of winning over the court: Mungo’s quiet dedication allowed Barbara to take her place on the jury.

Salisbury, are pictured centre. They also care for retired brood bitch Tita who they brought along with them for the occasion. Puppy parent Kevin Grinsell, far left with Murray, is also pictured.

l STAFF FOCUS

Photo courtesy of John Davidson.

l SOUTHAMPTON

Chelsea Dog Day glamour The glamorous Chelsea Dog Day took Canine Partners to the very heart of fashionable London. Celebrity designer Trevor Pickett organised the fabulous event near the exclusive Chelsea Harbour Design Centre to raise funds for his two favourite charities, Canine Partners and Battersea Dogs and Cat Home. And he invited fellow designers to support his Chelsea Dog Day. Fellow designer and British couturier to Royalty Lindka Cierach, pictured, entered her whippets into the ‘Most Elegant Dog’ class. Andy Cook, CEO, said: “We were delighted to attend this very glamorous Dog Show in the middle of Chelsea Harbour. Demo dogs Saffy and Doyle wowed the crowds in the demo, and partnerships Dee and Paddy, Eileen and Icharus and David and Zack did sterling work taking donations from the assembled crowds. “A great many thanks to our London Fundraising Committee for helping to bring this together.”

to donate call 08456 580480

We held a ‘Poppy Picnic’ recently to celebrate a grant from The Royal British Legion, the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity. The event at our National Training Centre in Midhurst, West Sussex celebrated a Legion grant. At the event, our dogs demonstrated their training and following the demonstration the dogs were treated to a ‘Poppy Picnic’ in support of The Royal British Legion’s new summer fundraising campaign. Former Royal Marine Jon Flint, who is a Canine Partners trustee, attended with his canine partner, Varick. Sue Freeth, Director of Operations at The Royal British Legion, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Canine Partners in recognition of the great work that they do with the serving and ex-Service community.” Andy Cook, CEO, added: “Through this generosity we will be able to continue to help and support our partnerships.”

l GLASGOW Scottish community fundraiser Dale Gormley, pictured above, jumped into the waters of the River Clyde to raise funds for us recently. The Rat Race adventure race saw him get down and dirty for Canine Partners north of the border.

Partners for life: Ann and Ronnie celebrated with family, friends and colleagues on their big day. and of course their demo dog and pet Erin was ringbearer for them.

When Ann and Ronnie got hitched there was only going to be one outcome, their dog Erin would be the ringbearer. Canine Partners Advanced Trainer Ann and Satellite Training Manager Ronnie married in an Easter Sunday ceremony at Leigh Park Country House in Wiltshire. Ann said: “Our love of animals first brought us together at University in Chester where we both studied Animal Behaviour.” The couple have been with Canine Partners for more than six years and are based at the new Midlands centre at Fields Farm where they have set up home. They celebrated with family and friends with a jazz band before heading off on honeymoon to Costa Rica.

Honour for our founder l NATIONAL

Canine Partners co-founder Elizabeth Ormerod BVMS MRCVS FRSA has been chosen in recognition of her personal contribution to society to join 400 women from all walks of life at the Women of the Year Lunch. The Women of the Year Lunch and Awards ceremony honours women’s incredible personal achievements. It brings together more than 400 extraordinary women from all walks of life, all of whom have achieved something of significance. Elizabeth is attending in celebration of her work in advancing understanding of human-animal interactions. For her lifetime’s work in this field she was recently presented with the 2013 Inaugural William F McCulloch Award, an international award for excellence in human-animal interactions and education, during the recent AVMA Convention in Chicago. This year this was held in conjunction with the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organisations. (IAHAIO) Elizabeth said “This invitation demonstrates that people now realise the relevance of the human animal bond for human health and quality of life.” There will be special prizes presented after the lunch. Previous winners include justice campainer Doreen Lawrence and burns victim turned charity campaigner Katie Piper.

‘‘ This invitation demonstrates that people now realise the relevance of the human animal bond for human health and quality of life.

canine partners // our supporters

OUR BOOKS

New friends: Alice, with Jon and Varick, left, Eileen and Sailor, right, at her Central London book launch. Main image: Alice with Darcy.

Why I had to write about Canine Partners

‘

What I love most about writing novels is the research. It introduces me to people that I’d never normally meet. This is certainly true of my latest novel, By My Side. On a Saturday morning I was reading the weekend papers when I came across a photograph of a Labrador helping a woman in a wheelchair take sheets out of a washing machine. After reading the piece on Canine Partners, I knew I had to write about one. I contacted the Charity to ask if I could watch some training sessions. I watched in awe as these gorgeous bouncy puppies opened pedal bins and dropped tins of baked beans into shopping baskets. I talked to trainers about how people are matched with their canine partners. I was put in touch with partnerships Susi Rogers-Hartley and Lex and Eileen Hobson and Sailor. Susi had been injured in the Royal Navy, the accident leaving her paralysed from the waist down. I visited Susi and watched her riding again, Lex running alongside, ready to fetch help if she fell. Riding had been a passion she’d assumed she’d have to give up. Eileen had been in the Army before she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. She went to hospital, but it was 20 years before she was discharged, thanks to applying for a canine partner. Inspired, I set to work on my novel, creating a character called Cass, a twenty something who has a boyfriend and a future career in medicine. One

Don’t forget .. You can buy your copy of By My Side in time for Christmas by visiting www.caninepartners. org.uk/shop/gifts/ by-my-side-by-alice-peterson. Log on now and take a look.

morning everything changes. She has a road accident that leaves her unable to walk. After a long stint in hospital she returns to her parents, thinking her life is over - until her mother takes her, in secret, to Canine Partners. When she meets Ticket, a golden Labrador, it’s love at first sight. Ticket gives Cass the confidence to return to London, meet new friends, and embark on new adventures. It is on the ski slopes of Colorado that she meets Charlie Bell, who wants to prove to her, just as Ticket does, that life is worth living again.

‘‘

Meeting Jon, Susi and Eileen with their Canine Partners has reinforced to me just how special dogs are. I believe By My Side celebrates this.

Towards the end of the novel, I wanted to include a soldier who had returned from Afghanistan. Canine Partners put me in touch with trustee Jon Flint who has Varick. Jon had been injured in the Royal Marines. I like to write about disability due to my own experiences. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis twenty years ago, when I was 18. Disability doesn’t have to be depressing. It is sad; people go through hard times. It is funny too; humour can be found in the darkest of places. But Jon, Eileen and Susi’s stories are above all, life affirming. I have my own Lucas terrier, Darcy. He knows when I’m in pain. He also senses when I’m happy, and we have shared so much joy together. Meeting Jon, Susi and Eileen with their canine partners has reinforced to me just how special dogs are. I believe By My Side truly celebrates this.

‘

Well-known author Alice Peterson explains why she chose a canine partnership for the heart of her latest novel and how her research with us informed her writing

canine partners // fields farm

canine partners // news bulletin

We love..

t Group .. that the Rutland Suppor ssed Dre t Bes were second in the est village larg the at t tes con nd Sta gton Show, show in England, Heckin award was near Boston, Lincs. The dge and wle kno f’s staf d for stan of RSG friendliness. Denise Taylor said: “I think it was the bunting that did it!”

support groups

TRAINING CENTRE

Fields Farm: The vision is becoming a reality in the Midlands

Want to help? Then why not contact the support group nearest to you ... New Malden SG – Alice Childs/ Eileen Reynolds –alicechild@talktalk.net Shoreham Support Group – Gordon Tickler – vbviscontours@ntlworld. com Preston Support Group – David Park – david12park@btinternet.com

New GROUP: Jenna, right, has found running a support group with our help a fun and rewarding experience

Reigate and Redhill Support Group – Patricia Hewett – p.g.hewett@btinternet.com

Why I started a support group Jenna Davidson, 28, of Stakeford, Northumberland, contacted Canine Partners earlier this year and has worked closely with Annette Denby, our support group specialist, to develop the Northumberland Support Group. She chose a Wag and Walk as her first event but she already has plans for more. Here, she shares how she took the first steps to setting up the group. And explains how much fun she’s had. Why Canine Partners? I am a massive dog lover. I have always followed press and media coverage and been interested in support and assistance dogs. I had previously seen Canine Partners whilst watching Crufts and heard about the Charity through a colleague who attended a Way Ahead event last year. Because of the area of law I work in, I wanted to get involved with a charity and help out as much as possible as we have clients who would benefit from a charity such as Canine Partners. I work in the serious injuries team at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office and we assist clients who have suffered traumatic brain and/or spinal injuries. Was getting started easy? Very easy, Canine Partners have provided lots of support to get started Your first event? A Wag and Walk on August 24 this year and I loved doing it.

Has your event been easy to set up? Very easy! Annette and the team helped at every stage. I felt very supported. Would you recommend starting up a support group to others? Most definitely, I would encourage as much support as possible. What other events might you consider organising for CP? I’m thinking about hosting a quiz/race night Have you been supported by Canine Partners along the way? Yes! I’ve had great support from Canine Partners. What would you say to someone considering starting a group? Get involved! It’s a fantastic charity and we need as much support as possible so Canine Partners can continue to transform the lives

Oursupport group expert, Annette Denby added: “We are here to help you at every stage of

planning your group and can even help with posters and ideas. Getting your group or event up and running couldn’t be easier. Just call me and we can talk it through.”

If you would like help to start a support group in your area please contact

Annette and she will make sure it’s as easy as possible with all the support that Canine Partners can offer. Call her on 01730 716052 or email annetted@caninepartners.org.uk.

Tidworth Support Group – Katie Crothers – katieluxton@hotmail.com Trowbridge Support Group (Team Kerly) – Sheila and John Sadler. teamkerly@icloud.com/teamkerly@ me.com Northumberland Support Group – Jenna Davidson – Jenna.davidson@irwinmitchell.com Beverley Support Group – Sarah Clough – emailmenow@orange.net Horsham Support Group – Debbie Copeland debbiecopeland@hotmail.co.uk Doncaster Support Group – Michelle Dalton – michelledalton@hotmail.com Norfolk Support Group – Elaine David – elainedavid@hotmail.co.uk East Lothian Support Group – Stephanie Scott – stephscott@btinternet.com

EXCITING DEVELOPMENT: How the centre will look once all the work has been done

Our Fields Farm centre in the Midlands has moved into a new and exciting phase. The builders are on site and they have begun work to construct the main structure for the training centre.

Rutland Support Group – Denise and John Taylor and Pauline Shepherd – denise@ttfundraising.org.uk Lincolnshire Troop Support/ Alford Support Group – Derek Birbeck – dereklesley237@hotmail.com Cumbria Support Group – Sue Holmes, Quizzy and team! – sue.holmes25@gmail.com Quorn Support Group – Patricia Hodge – 01509 415898. ‘looking forward to welcoming you back in the spring of 2014’ Farnham Support Group – Susan Bowness – asbowness@btinternet.com

to donate call 08456 580480

‘‘

In July, the contractors arrived on site to begin the initial demolition work at Fields Farm. Only two buildings will remain; the future residential accommodation and one large barn at the bottom of the site which will be kept in case of any need for expansion in the future. Our next aim is to build the main structure of the training centre and for it to be watertight before the winter months set in. You can help us do this by donating to our capital appeal. Your support will help us to develop a brand new centre in the heart of the country that will allow us to transform even more peoples’ lives by providing them with an assistance dog. When the build is complete, Fields Farm will deliver 52 new partnerships a year and give greater independence and quality of life to hundreds of individuals. For a minimum donation of £250 you can have your name engraved on our glass Wall of Honour as a personal acknowledgment of your support for the Canine Partners Fields Farm Appeal. For more information, please contact Cat Harvey on 01730 716018 or email catharvey@caninepartners. org.uk.

Having your name on our Wall of Honour would be a lasting legacy to your support for Canine Partners in the Midlands. Be a part of our future. Cat Harvey,Trusts and Corporate Manager

BEFORE: The old structures before the builders began construction work at Fields Farm

AFTER: The diggers move in to prepare the site for our new centre in the Midlands

canine partners // our supporters

CHALLENGES

A windfall from Skyfall How Ben, 16, turned superhero and our incredible challengers upped the fundraising stakes

There aren’t many teenagers who when they reach their 16th birthday want to jump 10,000ft from an aircraft .. and there can be even fewer who would think of doing it for charity. But that’s what Ben Graves from Canvey Island, Essex, did when he leapt in a tandem skydive for us. Ben’s parents, Julie and Michael, bought the adventurous teen the skydive for his 16th birthday. And they needed to give him special permission for the jump as normal rules state you must be over 18 to participate in a jump at the centre. Ben did his jump at the North London Sky Diving Centre, near March in Cambridgeshire and said: “The skydive was so amazing. When I was given my skydive I didn’t want to just do it for me I wanted to use it to raise money for Canine Partners. “At the moment I think I have raised about £350 but I’m still hoping more people will sponsor me a little bit more.” Ben’s parents, grandparents, David and Sheila Graves, brothers Jack, 21, and George, 12, as well as friend 17-year-old Billy Empson all watched from the airfield as he took his mammoth leap.

TOTAL RAISED: £350 TOTAL RAISED: £350

PLUS! Meet our other amazing challengers.. The world champs who cheered on our Deborah The Stupid Six take on the Square to Square Calais to Amsterdam .. but on skateboards! AND! Our cycling CEO and The Pubby Walkers 19

canine partners // our supporters

CHALLENGES

Boarders: James, Fiona, Oli and Mike before their skate challenge

Bikers: From left, Mike, Simon, Norm, James H, Steven and James P

Our skateboarders

Our cycle team

THE CHALLENGE To skateboard from Calais to Amsterdam unsupported

THE CHALLENGE To cycle from London’s Leicester Square to Casino Square, Monte Carlo

A team of former Plymouth University students undertook a marathon unsupported challenge to skateboard from Calais to Amsterdam to raise funds for us. Team-mates Jamie Everitt, 24, Fiona Cruickshank, 22, Oli Parkinson, 22, and Mike Jones, 23, left London for Dover on July 19 at dawn for the start of their seven day Euro coastal trip. It is the second time the team have gone long distance on their boards for the Charity but it was the first time the four man team made the trip unsupported. Once across the Channel, the route took them along the North Sea coastal route through Bruges and Rotterdam by cycle lanes and paths and alongside rivers and canals. But unlike last year, when the team skated from London to Paris to raise funds for us, they carried their tents, clothes and food with them on the 200-mile plus challenge without a support vehicle. Jamie said: “I skate pretty much every day so I knew I’d have a pretty good base fitness for the trip. Last year was fun so I was really looking forward to getting back on the road and to another European adventure.” Meanwhile structural engineer Mike added: “Canine Partners was an easy choice. It’s great to know that our donations are making a substantial difference for an individual. For £650 a new puppy can begin training who will give independence to someone less fortunate than me.”

TOTAL RAISED: £500 and counting

It was Monte Carlo or bust for six intrepid cyclists who left London for Casino Square in Monaco to raise funds for us in March. The Stupid Six left London’s Leicester Square for Casino Square in Monte Carlo on Friday 22 March with the aim of completing the gruelling 865 mile trip as a team. The Square to Square trip was the brainchild of James Pepper, from Barclays corporate banking arm based at Canary Wharf, and saw the dedicated friends train through the winter months so that they would be fit for more than 90 miles a day in the saddle. Training was hit by icy winter blasts but the team managed to cover more than 3,400 miles in preparation for the marathon bike ride. James, 36, persuaded friends Norm Sutter, 51, Mike Everett, 39, Simon Mitchell, 43, James Head, 29, and Steven Watson, 34, to take part in the charity ride after a conversation with friends saw his ambition to take part in an event take off. And it was after he met the Canine Partners team while we were on a visit to Canary Wharf that his fundraising plans crystallised. He said: “When I mentioned it to the guys, it just snowballed.” When the team lined up at Leicester Square to leave for the supported trip it was the first time they had ridden as a team. James added: “It was a fantastic trip. We were mostly lucky with the weather and had a great time along the route. On one day, to keep on schedule, we had to ride 130 miles.” The Stupid Six were supported on the trip by Leila Benamer and Canine Partner puppy parent Yvonne Stickells. And as for next year, the team may be swapping a diet of French cuisine for pasta next year as plans for another epic ride start to gain momentum. Watch this space!

Our triathlete Square to Square: The Route

to donate call 08456 580480

THE CHALLENGE To swim, row and bike the distance in miles of her age. A 44-mile solo event.

Day 1 – London to Dover (80 miles) Day 2 – Calais to Amiens (90 miles) Day 3 – Amiens to Nogent Sur Seine (130 miles) Day 4 – Nogent Sur Seine to Saulieu (110 miles) Day 5 – Saulieu to Bourg en Bresse (95 miles) Day 6 – Bourg en Bresse to Saint Egreve (90 miles) Day 7 – Saint Egreve to Savines le Lac (90 miles) Day 8 – Savines le Lac to Saint Andres les Alpes (85 miles) Day 9 – Saint Andres les Alpes to Monaco (80 miles)

Total: 870 miles. Average daily mileage: 97 miles

‘‘

The World Champs who supported our Deborah: We were tipped off you were doing a Triathlon. Shame your knees won’t let you run, I’m sure it won’t be long until we’re in the same boat! Good luck with the Solent Challenge Indoor Triathlon. And we hope you raise lots of money. Olympic Triathlon Champion Alistair Brownlee and brother Jonny, former Triathlon World Champion

TOTAL RAISED: £3748

GRAND TOTAL: £5640 and counting 24

Arrival: Left, the team leave Leicester Square, above at Casino Square

Former puppy parent Deborah Herridge decided on an endurance triathlon challenge to raise money for Canine Partners. Deborah, 44, of Lee-on-Solent, rowed, biked and swam her age in miles to raise funds for us at her local David Lloyd gym in Portsmouth. Deborah’s husband Robert is a former four-times Scottish Gold Medallist rower and he devised the tough training regime to ensure Deborah had the stamina to complete the challenge. Deborah said just before the multi-sport event: “The 20 weeks training plan has gone far too fast and I’m feeling tired now! I’m so glad I’m 44 and not 64.” Deborah was a puppy parent for Canine Partners when she cared for and trained puppy, Seaford, and fostered Yeti at the weekends while he was in Advanced Training. Deborah completed the epic event in five hours, 11 minutes and 55 seconds and even bagged a personal best for each event. She said: “It was tough going. More than an hour into the bike and my muscles started hurting but I thought of Canine Partners and the people they help and the face of Gino, the canine partner in training who had come to cheer me along and I thought to myself ‘Get on with it woman’”. “Hearing shouts and words of encouragement at the end of every lap was wonderful.” And husband Robert even presented Deborah with her own medal at the end of the event.

TOTAL RAISED: £1042

Between them our charity challengers have raised enough money to purchase eight new pups, just like little Martha

Andy’s BIG Adventure Canine Partners CEO, Andy Cook, pledged to put his body on the line for our charity this year. As well as running the Brighton Marathon he promised to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats. He tackled strong winds, big climbs and long days in the saddle during his 1000 mile bike ride. This is his diary. Visit caninepartners.org.uk for the full blog of his exploits.

Day Nine

Today was a long one – 99 miles from Inveraray through some amazing scenery past Fort William and beyond Ben Nevis to Invergarry. Some people have picked up injuries along the way, but we are gritting our teeth as the finish line approaches. Another two crashes today but no major harm done. I’ve contributed more to the washing up than the cooking. It’s generally safer that way!

JOHN O’GROATS THE FINISH

So there we have it. The job is done, 1007 miles covered. We woke to rain lashing down but with only 28 miles left we didn’t mind. Most of us cycled to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point, just to say we had. The whole group gathered near John O’Groats at 10.30am, ready for the final push to the line at 11am. Then it was a whirlwind of photo-taking and whisked back to Inverness for the final night and celebration meals. This has been one team of 56 cyclists, all helping one another. Has this been a hard challenge? Well I guess what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

FINISH

Today brought home how much of a challenge this is. Strong headwinds have made a huge difference especially when crossing some very exposed tracts of land in the Highlands. This was probably the first day in the whole trip when I felt unsure if I’d make the distance. The wind meant I had to peddle downhill as well as up. I was continually battered and buffeted by the wind. This is the furthest north I’ve ever been.

10 9

What a day! Another 82 miles covered. The highlight was being cheered on by our West Scotland satellite with their pups as well as Zoe with cp Remus. And I received a cheque from one of our skydiving supporters. Then after ice cream at Largs it was off to Gourock to catch the ferry to Dunoon. The scenery has been breathtaking culminating in a ride around Loch Fyne. We’re all looking tired and weary but we’re hanging on in there.

Day Ten

Stunning scenery as we follow Loch Ness past the Caledonian Canal and over to the Glen Morangie Distillery in Tain – 78 miles in total. I just hope I am able to keep some of this in my mind’s eye after returning home. Between Drumnadrochit and Beauly, we were presented with the longest, steepest and largest hill of the whole trip. Sadly my bike broke, but I was able to borrow one. The donations are helping me drag myself up these Scottish hills.

Day Six

Big thanks to Ian and cp Adele, Sandra and cp Erwin and Leslie and cp Archie for coming along today to cheer me on in Preston. It really was the highlight of what was quite a tough day and everyone was talking about Canine Partners all afternoon. One comedy moment today – I fell off! After boasting that I hadn’t fallen off yet too. Pride before a fall and all that.

LANDS’ END

Today has been really tough. A strong squally wind has blown us around for the full 98 miles leaving us battered and bruised. We covered 98 instead of just 87 miles today thanks to a degree of ‘pilot error’. Shap at 1200 feet was the longest climb so far, but the views and the fresh air made all the toiling worthwhile. It’s hard to believe just how far we have come, it really feels like an achievement.

Day Seven

I can’t believe it! Only a few days ago I was looking at St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall and now here I am on the West Coast of Scotland. We completed another gruelling 97miles in the full force of a headwind where we even had to peddle downhill. I dedicate this part of my ride to all our Scottish team of partners, puppy parents, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters.

Day FOUR

Basic facts of the day, none of us got any sleep in the communal dorm so breakfast was a silent event. The mood cheered up when we got moving again. Ninety-three miles covered in total today. Shrewsbury has special significance for me as I was born here. I took a slight detour to visit the place where I came into this world but couldn’t find the blue commemorative plaque, perhaps it fell off!

Day Three 3

the start

We started off at Land’s End at 10.30am after a lot of faffing around. There’s already been a nasty casualty when someone was hit on the head by a flying telegraph pole which knocked them off their bike. You couldn’t make it up! Contractors were replacing a pole in an adjacent field and didn’t realise how long it was. Needless to say no-one had heard of Canine Partners .. but they have now!

CHALLENGES

Day Eleven

Day Eight

Day Five

canine partners // our supporters

No mobile signal and no hot water showers. Today has been really tough and everyone is pretty subdued. We covered 103 miles, the last four miles of which was a continuous hill. Every time we stop for water and I have a signal for my mobile I see another email telling me someone has donated and it really spurs me on. Onwards and upwards!

Pub buddies: The team beside the Essex Way sign

Our walkers THE CHALLENGE To walk the 82-mile Essex Way from Epping to Harwich Three pub regulars put down their pints and strapped on their walking boots to raise money for us this summer. Railway Tavern regulars Richard Macey, Sean Davey and James Gillet, all from Chelmsford – dubbed the Pubby Walkers – walked the 82-mile Essex Way from Epping to Harwich to raise funds for the Essex satellite. The team first bonded at their local pub and after a while decided to undertake a challenge for charity and get fit into the bargain. And they decided what better way to do it than to visit pubs along The Way as their stop-off points. Richard said before the walk: “It’s a long way but Canine Partners is a great cause and we can’t wait to get started. We’re hoping that the weather stays dry for us all along the Way.” Essex Community Fundraiser, Lindsay Hurrell, added: “We are really appreciative that the Pubby Walkers took on the challenge of walking the Essex Way from Epping to Harwich in aid of Canine Partners. “Great commitment and hard work went into the training for this expedition and the guys really want to raise as much money as they can for the Essex based satellite. “I would like to thank them all for choosing Canine Partners for their adventure”. The team are hopeful that they will raise £4,000 from their epic pub walk when the final tally comes in.

2 1 START

Map graphic courtesy of VectorTemplates.com

Day Two

In a nutshell 70 odd miles over what an optimist might call ‘undulating terrain’ with more than 4000ft of climbing over Dartmoor. With two broken ribs the guy struck by the pole has been packed home. His helmet saved him from serious injury. Today has been stunning with Dartmoor to take your mind off the pain. I can’t tell you how touched I am by all the support.

To donate to Andy’s Big Adventure please visit www.justgiving.com/andy-cook3

Are you up for a challenge? l If you would like to undertake a personal challenge and would like to focus your efforts on raising funds for us please contact Holly on 01730 716013 or email hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk

canine partners // our team

NEW RECRUITS

New to our charity Mike, Fiona and Steve talk about their love of Canine Partners and share a few secrets

The Puppy File

Say hello to the latest recruits carefully chosen by our Puppy Department to train to become canine partners

Name: Mike Garner, Advanced Trainer.

Age: 47. Address: Shoreham, West Sussex. Life before Canine Partners: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, London. Previous life with dogs?: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Any pet dogs?: Lorcan, the German Shepherd cross, she was 15 when she died last year. Favourite thing about CP so far: The Partnership Day. Seeing the end result of all the dogs’ training. Something that not a lot of people know about you: I lived in Sweden for six months Pet dog as a kid: None Favourite movie: Dancer in the Dark Lassie or Snowy?: Lassie

Name: Fiona Healey-hutchinson, Director of Fundraising

Age: not telling! Address: Kingston, London Life before Canine Partners: St John Ambulance, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Previous life with dogs?: Fostered many dogs, especially westies, saw some unhappy starts and very happy endings there. Any pet dogs?: Two ex-Battersea boys. Oscar and Alfie both West Highland terriers. Favourite thing about CP so far: The people are amazing, whether they are our courageous partners, staff or volunteers. One of the best things and hard to beat is a puppy cuddle. Something that not a lot of people know about you: I love elephants. The way their family group is made up with matriarchs and how caring they are. How they instinctively know routes to water and recognise death. Pet dog as a kid: Candy - a faithful mongrel who loved playing catch Favourite movie: Under a Tuscan sun - love the idea of living in Italy Lassie or Snowy?: Lassie - ‘Oh no are the puppies stuck in the well!’

Yogi, Yolie, Yoshi, Yvie

Tatum

Tinto

Utah

Xavi

Name: Steven Rigby, Advanced Trainer

Age: 24. Address: Petersfield, Hampshire. Life before Canine Partners: Security dog handling and training, Guide Dogs in the Dog Care Team as well as an RSPCA animal care assistant which involved rehabilitation training. Any pet dogs? An 11-year-old black Lab called Jet. Favourite thing about CP so far: Partnership Day. Seeing how happy the dogs make their partners makes me know I have come to a place that I will love to work. Something that not a lot of people know about you: I have saved up and will be doing a sky dive this year for CP. I cannot wait. Pet dog as a kid: We had my nan’s dog, a Yorkshire terrier called Penny. Favourite movie: The Green Mile. Lassie or Snowy?: Would have to say Lassie, but I did love Tin Tin and Snowy when I was younger.

Windsor

to donate call 08456 580480

canine partners // christmas cards

canine partners // letters

your letters

Christmas gifts

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS, VIEWS OR ISSUES YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? Write to: Canine Partners, PR Department, Letters, Mill Lane, Heyshott, West Sussex, GU29 0ED email: myridr@caninepartners.org.uk or Tweet us: @canine_partners

POSITIVE THINKING

The words of one of the Paralympic competitors keep reverberating around in my head. “If my life and future had not changed so suddenly as a result of the accident years ago, I wonder what I would be doing now”. Weighed against the negatives created by a serious RTA 16 years ago, what might my life be like now if it had not happened. Instead I was given a second chance. Canine Partners has changed my life, not only in their contribution to my independence thanks to assistance dog, Kerly, but in that it opened the door to an exciting and fulfilling challenge to spread the word. I now don’t have time to feel like a disabled pensioner. There is no space for negative thoughts as my time is spent planning, organising, preparing for talks, demonstrations and events. My husband and I are OAPs but we are not isolated or lonely. We meet many special people, from school children to the residents of care homes. Nothing makes me happier than sharing time with others. We hope to remain active for this wonderful charity. Sheila Sadler, Trowbridge, Wilts

EXTRA SPECIAL Just to say a huge THANK YOU to you and the team for coming along to last week’s event. It really was a brilliant evening and you made the event extra special by being there with your incredible dogs. Everyone I’ve spoken to was completely amazed by the demonstration, brilliant explanation throughout, and inspiring talk by Jon Flint. Louise Forder, West Sussex

MY AMELIA This is a belated thank you for the wonderful supporters evening you kindly hosted. We had a great time learning about the developments and future aspirations, not to mention the lovely canine trainees and their trainers. I received my last update from

my Adopt A Puppy Amelia yesterday. I am extremely proud of her. Name and address supplied

One purchase

two gifts How the season of Christmas giving can transform lives

STAMP FRIEND

ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

For some reason I have always kept stamps from any letters that I have received, today I read the star letter in the People’s Friend and found your address. I hope they will be of some help. Mrs EM Coombes, Porth, Wales

Christmas is the time when we choose gifts for those we love. But what if we could give twice over while paying only once. With a Canine Partners Christmas card or gift from our online shop you could give twice. Once to family or a friend and secondly towards transforming a life by your donation. This year we have a specially produced brochure which has been created to showcase exactly those gifts. Carefully chosen and with a special nod to our wonderful charity the purchase of these gifts will go directly to helping create new partnerships. No third party, direct to the people and the cause you want to help. And of course we have a fantastic array of Christmas cards, some featuring our very own extremely cute pups. What better way to share our message than by sending a Canine Partners Christmas card? Visit www.caninepartners.org.uk/shop for our full range of gift ideas for Christmas 2013 and the full range of our Christmas cards.

YOUR DOGS

I was visiting friends in West Sussex and they took me along to your wonderful Summer Show. It was the first time that I had been able to see first hand what a canine partner could do to help someone. It was a moving and fun day and it was a pleasure to share the fun. R.M. Nelson, Stourbridge, West Mids.

What you said about us on Twitter ..

@canine_partners. Worked with them at @Helpforheroes & they are fantastic; @RosieTrousers they are totally fantastic as are H4H, that’s how hubby was partnered!! @Jon_and_Varick @RoyalMarineArt; @canine_ partners another 4 legged angel what would we do without them. @MuratPompidu; You picked the names for the puppies we’ve sponsored at Canine Partners. Meet Wilma and Warwick! @Barclaycard; 4 days left of #recycleweek. Why not help @ canine_partners! Request a bag to donate your unwanted clothes @CharityEco; A former soldier’s life has improved thanks to @ canine_partners & a dog called Sailor @forcesnews; Loading washing machines, picking up credit cards, posting letters - these are @canine_partners wonder dogs! @prwilsonmedia

Our cards range from £3.25 - £3.75 for a pack of ten

Featuring our own er rtn canine pa h Gooc

ar Our 2014 caavaleilabnd le. With images of our

Our 2014 calendar is now planning satellites it’s perfect for pups from across all our r ahead. And yea the for nts eve rs those Canine Partne d the planning you can even sen thanks to a crafty bit of tpar ine can w. ww at line now images as postcards. On ndar. Cost £5. cale 14-20 new ifts/ p/g ners.org.uk/sho

to donate call 08456 580480

www.caninepartners.org.uk/shop follow us on

canine partners // corporate news

CORPORATE SUPPORT

Celebrating with our Wisley

To celebrate their 10th Anniversary, independent consultants HarknessKennett are supporting the training costs of puppy ‘Wisley’, a name colleagues picked as their office favourite! HarknessKennett are based in Ripley in Surrey and celebrated their special anniversary at Fortnum & Mason in September which included a presentation from Canine Partners. James Harkness is also Chair of the Chartered Institute

‘‘

l GOODWOOD KENNELS

This year Goodwood Kennels have helped raise awareness among the dog-loving community by supporting Canine Partners. They have been busy promoting the Charity through the Kennels’ Dog Membership, their monthly dog walking club, and also by putting on events in aid of the Charity such as their Dog Show held in the beautiful grounds of the Goodwood estate. Many more exciting events are planned for 2014. To find out more about The Kennels at Goodwood visit www.goodwood. co.uk/kennels

The big hearted Southern

EIGHT members of staff from Rug Doctor took part in a London to Brighton Bike Ride in September to raise money for Canine Partners. They aim to raise £4,500 to cover the first year of a puppy’s training; you can still support them at www.rugdoctordoitforcharity.com

Co-operative do it again!

Pup-tastic: Can you spot the real one in the pile?

Our charity partner raises £90,000 this year alone

l COSYFEET

The power of eight

of Public Relations professionals and has arranged for the Charity to demonstrate at their Internal Communications Conference in The Oval, Kennington. Cat Harvey, Trusts and Corporate Manager, said: “HarknessKennett’s support has already given us many opportunities to demonstrate the work we do and we look forward to updating them on Wisley’s progress.”

l THE SOUTHERN CO-OPERATIVE

et to Team Cosyfe Congratulations pleted the Bath Half ly com who successful 2013 on behalf of Canine arch paid off for Marathon in M eeks of training Partners. The w runners who all managed ght their team of ei g line in one piece, without in ish fin e th ng a total of to cross s and pains, raisi too many ache feet continues to donate sy £2,190.92! Co ir of their 25p for every pa ‘Richard’ or ’ en bestselling ‘Hel visit slippers, harity cosyfeet.com/c

l KEW ELECTRICAL

l RUG DOCTOR

l HARKNESSKENNETT

CANINE CAPERS: The Southern Co-operative’s Bark in the Park event gang, above, was fully supported by our Southampton Puppy training satellite, pictured below.

to donate call 08456 580480

Once again, the generosity of customers and colleagues in The Southern Co-operative’s stores across the south has raised over £90,000 already this year. Their most recent event Bark in the Park raised in excess of £13,000! Earlier in the year, stores held a ‘name a puppy’ competition, inviting name suggestions beginning with the letter B for The Southern Co-operative’s new puppy who will join Canine Partners this autumn. With suggestions from Biscuit and Bertie to Bunty and Bounce, the winning name drawn is BANJO! Each store also picked their own local winner who received their very own soft toy puppy (pictured above). Store Manager Kirsty Graham from The Southern Co-operative’s Cherque Farm store in Hampshire said: “We had

It’s three and easy for Kew Electrical

Kew Electrical have been supporting our puppy training costs since 2007, with three dogs becoming established partnerships. Their latest puppy Leon is still with his volunteer puppy parent and attending weekly classes at Upper Dicker Village Hall, East Sussex. Kew Electrical’s Director, Geoff Kerly, arranges an annual Charity Golf Day and also staff payroll giving from all 19 branches nationwide. Kew Electrical recently opened a branch in Trowbridge and fortunately Kerly-Kew, whose puppy training was sponsored by Geoff’s 50th birthday celebrations, is now partnered with Sheila who lives nearby and was very happy to attend the open evening to show the outcome of all their continued fundraising and hard work. l SMITH PEARMAN

a really good response to this campaign from our customers, they were really supportive and I think they all liked the soft toy dog!” The Southern Co-operative has donated over £390,000 to Canine Partners as its charity r partner since May 2012. ny you work fo oes the compa D ne ni Ca As well as plenty more es like support chariti that we fundraising activities d you suggest ul Co ? rs ne rt Pa Year? e th planned for 2013/2014, of arity become their Ch rkplace could its 180+ stores across the wo ur yo If you think arvey south will be selling soft contact Cat H help us please toy puppies leading up to ail em or 18 on 01730 7160 Christmas; find out where rg.uk ninepartners.o your nearest store is by catharvey@ca

Support?

visiting www.thesouthern co-operative.co.uk

Counting on your support

Smith Pearman Chartered Accountants also based in Ripley, Surrey have been supporting the Charity since 2007. Along with hosting a stand at the annual Ripley Village Show to promote the Charity they have undertaken various challenges and events with staff and customers raising almost £25,000 so far. They are presently supporting Ivan.

Adopt a Puppy When you Adopt a Puppy just like me you receive:

winter 2013

like me for just £1 a week

.. and help us transform the lives of people with disabilities

Photos of your puppy A cuddly jacketed toy A personalised certificate Regular updates on how your puppy is progressing through training

W hat you say about Adopt a Puppy

“It was such fun to receive the Valentine’s ever card from you. I don’t a ing eiv rec r be em rem It e. for be Valentine’s card w ho ar he to was good the partner training is coming along as I do so want you to do well.” Edie

“Dear Baxter, you have written to me ich I several times now wh you n appreciate more tha are u Yo . will ever know such a clever dog to be able to take in so much training.” Gwen

This guarantee should be detatched and retained by the payer

Call: 01730 716026 or email adoptapuppy@caninepartners.org.uk

For more details visit: caninepartners.org.uk