Canine partnership promotes
growth in confidence

Jenny Lowe and Free, her first canine assistance partner.

When Ian returned home not only his parents but friends, family and acquaintances were amazed at the difference a dog made to his life. They decided to raise funds so that they could sponsor a dog for someone else to be partnered with. Free was that dog, sponsored by the amazing amount of money raised in a fraction of the time expected. I am the lucky recipient who was been partnered with him in 1998. Since then Ian has been a great friend and mentor, always there for me when I was lost and needed a friend who understood.

Although Free is physically fit, healthy and still working well for me he has lost some hearing and has cataracts forming. It hasn’t affected his ability to work. I’ve checked regularly with his vet to be sure. I’ve agonised over if it’s “that time” and yes, after discussions with staff at Canine Partners over a long time, it’s time for him to retire. It’s heartbreaking for me not just because he isn’t hearing me so well but because I feel so for him. He won’t understand why he has to stop working, he’ll be so confused. Leaving him at home would be cruel. We’ve never been apart really. I was determined his retirement had to be right for him. It is agreed now that he will retire to a place he’s very familiar with and with people he knows very well. It’s the best I can do for him. That is where he’ll go when he does finally retire.

In the meantime I’m about to be assessed for another dog. I look forward to the challenge and I’m confident with the vast knowledge I’ve learnt over 10 years with Free and a lifetime with well-behaved pet dogs that I’m in a far better position to cope, so hopefully things will run smoothly. Canine Partners has been so wonderfully supportive. Along with them and the great support of family and friends I know that however harrowing this new experience is going to be I will get through this.

When I was on the residential training course unusually for me, I started to keep a diary so I’d have a permanent reminder of how that time was. Despite the tears of angst, frustration, joy and relief we all shed and shared, I look back on that time with fond memories. I plan to keep a diary of this time now. Partly for the same reason but also for future partners who will in time face what I’m facing now and perhaps help them through my experience.

My original diary grew into a book. It’s never been published but many have read it and said how wonderful it is. Those who know me say they can hear me talking as they’ve read it. Everyone without exception cries at chapter four which tells of my last beloved pet dog, Emma, and the sad time she had to be put to sleep. I wrote it all from the heart and I suppose that shows in the written word. I’ll always look back on these wonderful years with my “boy” with fond memories and all the people who made it possible - his puppy parent, trainers and of course the charity itself. I hate to think where I’d be or indeed if I’d still be around had it not been for a chance meeting with a lady who saw a demonstration in 1998 and encouraged me to go for it. I wasn’t sure so I’m grateful to her too.

I hope I’ll continue to raise money and awareness for Canine Partners with a new dog as I have with Free. We’ve raised enough money to buy at least 12 puppies over the last 10 years at one major annual event in my home town alone. There’s been more but my concern has always been to get out there and do the job which is the purpose in my life. I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason. I’ve been proud and privileged to have Free and to know so many wonderful people. If his successor is half the dog he’s been I’ll be very happy. They don’t come better than him, but then I think all partners would say the same if asked!

So finally – in advance of his retirement I’d like to pay tribute to all concerned in whatever small way they’ve contributed to the partnership between Free and myself. Thank you all so very much! Thank you Canine Partners but most importantly although he may not understand the words, he’ll know - thank you to Free for being there every time I’ve needed you. For making me laugh and cry at the same time – for the unconditional love you’ve given me. For all the wonderful people you’ve introduced me to and places I’ve gone because of you and Canine Partners. The best I can give you is a well-earned retirement full of the love you’ve given me which I will be part of to the end.