New apprentice thriving
under Endal's guidance
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| Allen Parton with Endal and EJ - it is hoped that EJ will learn all he needs to learn from Endal, as well as gaining Endal's problem-solving abilities. |
AFTER nearly two years of intensive searching all around the world for the very special little dog that is eventually going to take on the role now filled by Canine Partner Endal.... it has been announced that the hunt is now finally over! Recently a new arrival entered the Parton household in the form of a little eight-week-old yellow Labrador puppy called Endal Junior (EJ) and already he has started his assistance dog training in earnest to become Endal's most worthy successor.Endal acquired worldwide fame by being voted the world's most intelligent dog, Dog of the Millennium, and is now recognized as the most decorated peace time dog ever. His ability to operate a cashpoint machine and more recently the chip and pin machine, has made him arguably the world's most famous assistance dog too. Over 300 film crews from all around the world have filmed Endal going about his daily chores and are also half way through the making of a movie about his amazing story. For the last 11 years Endal has been faithfully at the side of his disabled human partner Gulf war veteran Allen Parton, enabling him to experience a real quality of life and independence through Endal's unconditional love and devotion.
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| EJ begins a task practice at a run under the watchful eye of his mentor Endal. |
At 12 years old the veteran yellow Labrador is now becoming a pensioner and very soon will qualify for a well earned retirement, but not before taking on the most important role of mentor; training a junior to take over his job.
"After every meal Endal will pass me up his food bowl" said Allen "and very soon EJ will twig that is what dogs do and he will follow Endal's lead and it is this learning by example that I dearly hope will enable EJ to achieve a good level of training without any pressure.
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| EJ turns on the pace to impress his new owner and his mentor. |
"It is also so ironic that little EJ should have been found in Liphook, a mere 15 miles from where we currently live," said Allen. "The breeder, Joy Venturi Rose, of Leospring Labradors (http://www.leospring.co.uk), actually grew up in the house on the opposite side of the road from my childhood home in Haslemere and she even went to school with my older sister. Sadly though, because of my head injury I have lost all memories of her and our past but I guess some things are meant to be and we have met up again through our love of a very special breed. She has bred some absolutely stunning dogs and many are prize winners, being from part show and part working stock. EJ's pedigree is just so ideal for the intended role we have in mind.
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| A quick grab on the run and yes, a successful retrieval of the car keys. |
"I recently received an email from our dear friend Jo Coulson, formerly secretary for the Labrador club of great Britain, saying that Joy had recently had a litter of Labradors of which three were yellow boys (Labrador + yellow + boy, our search criteria). I quickly arranged to have a viewing and Sandra my wife, puppy operations manager for Canine Partners, did the early assessment and EJ maxed out on the points ... scoring very highly. On our very first visit to see the three dogs EJ was the one that settled down right alongside the wheelchair as if that was where he had chosen to be. I had a real feeling of de za vue as this was just how Endal and I first met and bonded. A period of reflection, to consider all the effects of the changes and impact of taking on a new puppy, took place and at eight-weeks-old we adopted EJ Arizona (Joy named all the puppies after Royal naval warships which is most appropriate as the dad is called Anchorman and Allen had himself served in the Royal Navy for 20 years)."
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| Whew, now for a short nap - showing everyone what I have learned is really tiring! |
From pulling Allen into the recovery position to putting his bank card in to the cashpoint and chip and pin machines, Endal has amazed everyone with his self-taught abilities. Endal was socialized at Canine Partners by a puppy parent but never had any formal advanced training which makes his story even more amazing. Endal was partnered with Allen when he was just one year old and has gone on to achieve so much which Allen attributes to Endal's unquestionable ability to learn and problem solve.
"It has already been agreed by Canine Partners that Endal will retire to me when the time comes," said Allen, "and it will be my absolute pleasure to care for him in his old age and hour of need, permitting me in some small way to repay him for what is an unrepayable debt!"
What are Endal's views on the new arrival? Well, after a few days of the obligatory growling and barking by Endal, thankfully young EJ quickly accepted his junior role and position in the doggie hierarchy and once again a sense calmness and order has descended on the Parton household. Endal now sports two shadows - the newer one quite small but always at his side!
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