How you can gain a puppy and make a real difference

MOST of us have heard of guide dogs, but it is usually blind, rather than disabled people who we tend to associate with them.But a Leamington woman is keen to promote a lesser known charity, Canine Partners, for which she volunteers as a ‘puppy parent’ – and loves every aspect of the post.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Sep 2011, 10:13 BST

Emma Smith-Jones, her husband and five-year-old son have been looking after golden retreiver Benson for eight months and he will continue to be theirs for another six, until he is old enough to begin training to provide assistance to people with disabilities.

Eventually, he will be able to help with tasks such as opening and closing doors and cupboards, retrieving items, dressing and undressing, pressing buttons and switches and unloading the washing machine.

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Emma said: “I came across the charity on the internet and after reading one of the disabled person’s stories and what a difference a dog made to her life, I really wanted to help.

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“The committment is quite big, but if you go away for a weekend or on holiday, the charity arranges for a foster carer to look after the dog, and they pay for all its expenses.

“Living in Leamington is really good as all the shops and cafes are used to guide dogs so I can take him out and about with me without any problem.”

Emma and Benson attend a basic training class at the Midlands ‘puppy satellite’ - volunteer group – in Burton on Trent once a week, to help Benson gain social skills and learn how to listen and respond to basic commands.

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When he is 14 months old, he will move to the charity’s West Sussex Training Centre, where he will have intensive training for four to six months, before he is ready to become an assistance dog.

Emma, who works from home as a migration consultant, said: “Benson is my first puppy, so I don’t yet know what it will be like to have to give him away. But I will be giving him up for such a worthwhile cause.

“The dogs are absolutely adored by their new owners and they make such a difference to their lives.

“You can continue being a puppy parent, so as soon as you give up one puppy, you get another.

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“It’s a nice way to have a dog and get all the benefits without all the expense and stress that you get when it’s your own.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer puppy parent should call Julia Hurley on 01730 716022. To find out more about the charity, go online at www.caninepartners.co.uk

Related topics:Leamington