Charity launches 35th anniversary appeal to train more life-changing assistance dogs

“I was trapped in my home but my assistance dog saved me.”

Assistance dog charity Canine Parters’ has launched a ‘Fund the Future’ appeal in its 35th anniversary year to help change the lives of more adults with physical disabilities like Jane. 

Jane, from Edinburgh, suffered a spinal injury sixteen years ago which changed her life forever. Once an active teacher and tennis player, she became reliant on carers for her everyday needs and faced the devastating loss of independence.  

Soon after, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was the darkest time of my life,” Jane recalls. “I felt trapped in my own body, trapped in my home I’d lost my confidence, my independence, and my sense of who I was.” 

Everything changed in 2013 when Jane was partnered with Damson, a specially trained assistance dog from Canine Partners, the UK charity that transforms the lives of adults with physical disabilities through highly trained assistance dogs. 

Damson helped with everyday tasks like picking up dropped items, fetching Jane’s phone, and assisting with dressing. But more than that, she gave Jane her independence back. “Damson transformed my life,” says Jane. “I started leaving the house, seeing friends again, and enjoying life. She became more than my partner, she was my best friend.” 

After eleven years together, Damson passed away in 2024. Thanks to Canine Partners’ life-long commitment, Jane was soon partnered with Walshy, a playful Golden Retriever. “With Walshy, I feel like myself again,” Jane says. “I smile more, laugh more and don’t dwell on what I’ve lost. He gives me a reason to get up each morning.” 

This Christmas, Canine Partners is calling on the public to support its Funding the Future Appeal. A donation of £35, or whatever you can give, will help train more life-changing dogs like Damson and Walshy, and provide lifetime support to people like Jane. 

Founded in 1990, Canine Partners trains highly skilled assistance dogs to support adults with physical disabilities. These dogs help with everyday tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped items, loading washing machines, and assisting with dressing – giving their partners confidence, independence, and a better quality of life. 

To meet growing demand, the charity is expanding its breeding programme, recruiting more volunteers, and introducing community-based training schemes across the UK to bring life-changing partnerships closer to those who need them. 

“When I first suffered my injury, life looked so bleak,” Jane says. “Thanks to Canine Partners, I’ve had the love and support of two amazing dogs. Your support can give someone else the life-changing gift I’ve been so lucky to have.” 

For more information or to donate, visit caninepartners.org.uk/winterappeal2025