For Jess (47) from Sussex, life used to revolve around the high-pressure environment of a hospital. As an Operating Theatre Practitioner, she was used to being the one providing care.
That changed following a series of diagnoses, including Brittle Asthma and Cauda Equina Syndrome. Together, they affect her balance, mobility and energy levels, making everyday life unpredictable. “I regularly drop things, especially when I’m tired. Fatigue plays a massive part in everything I do.”
In less than three years, she underwent 23 operations. Complications left her with left-sided weakness, chronic pain, fatigue, and reduced mobility. She went from a demanding job that she loved to relying on others.
It was a massive adjustment. I’d gone from a busy professional life to feeling quite isolated. The physical side was hard but losing that sense of who I was felt much worse. I had to give up my job and the career I had worked so hard to achieve.
Life on hold
When Jess was discharged from hospital, life felt unfamiliar. Unable to manage safely in her own home, she spent much of her time living at her mums, relying heavily on her for day-to-day support. Her anxiety and fear of falling left her feeling vulnerable. She avoided crowded places and rarely went out alone, worried about what would happen if she needed help.
Her independence disappeared almost overnight. Her confidence dropped, and so did her sense of purpose. “I would always look back at what I used to do rather than focus on what I still could do. I felt like life wasn’t what I wanted it to be.”
Meeting Xenna
In 2014, Jessica was matched with her first canine partner, Xenna, a Flat Coated Retriever. “When I first met her, I just knew. I was instantly in love. From day one, I had something to get up for. She needed me, and that gave me purpose again.”
Because of her spinal condition, bending and lifting are exhausting and painful. Xenna began helping with daily tasks – picking up things she dropped, retrieving the phone, opening and closing doors, emptying the washing machine, and reaching low shelves in shops.
Jess also discovered something extraordinary. Xenna could sense changes in her blood-thinning levels, often before medical monitoring picked it up. “She would sit and stare at me and wouldn’t leave my side. It helped prevent potentially serious situations.”
Before Xenna, Jess’s social life was almost non-existent. She avoided eye contact and conversation. But having an assistance dog drew attention everywhere she went.
Xenna just made things manageable again. She was a brilliant motivator. Having her meant I not only wanted, but had, to get out of the house. People stopped seeing the disability first and started talking to me about Xenna instead.
By supporting with many of the practical day-to-day tasks, Xenna changed the caring dynamic at home. As Jess became more independent, her mum was able to step back from full-time caring – something Jess describes as “giving Mum her life back”.
Gradually, Jess began rebuilding her confidence. She went on to complete a college course, rebuild her social circle and form lasting friendships. She also began delivering talks for Canine Partners, sharing her journey to raise awareness of the charity and the life-changing impact assistance dogs can have.
Even when her mobility declined further, Xenna gave her motivation to keep moving forward.
A difficult transition
When Xenna retired and passed away, the loss was felt immediately. Without an assistance dog, Jessica found that simple tasks took up all her energy, leaving her feeling fatigued and in pain. Her mum stepped back in to help more often.
It was a tough reminder for Jess that a canine partner isn’t a luxury, it is a lifeline. “You don’t realise how much the small jobs your canine partner does help you achieve the big things until they aren’t there.”
A new partnership with Xolani
In 2022, Jess was partnered with her successor dog, Xolani – a lively yellow Labrador with a very different personality. “Xenna built my confidence and Xolani keeps me on my toes!”
Jess’s needs have increased over the years, including managing long COVID. Xolani provides the same support as Xenna and more, including tidying her bowl away and supporting Jess at work.
Because today, Jess is back doing something she once believed was out of reach. “I now work part time teaching football to children and adults with disabilities. If you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be coaching football with a dog by my side, I wouldn’t have believed you. I never thought I’d return to work.”
On the pitch, Xolani retrieves equipment, tidies up, and supports Jess throughout sessions – practical help that allows Jess to focus her energy on coaching.
Jess and Xolani are a familiar sight in the stands at AFC Wimbledon – the football club she has supported her entire life. After her diagnosis, returning to matchdays felt uncertain. The crowds, logistics and impact on her anxiety made it overwhelming.
With Xolani by her side, that has changed. “Xolani makes going to games so much more manageable. Just having her beside me reduces my anxiety. Whether it’s navigating the crowds or picking up something I’ve dropped, she’s always there when I need her.” That support has allowed Jess to do more than just watch from the sidelines. She is now the Chair of AFC Wimbledon’s Disabled Supporters Association, working with the club to improve accessibility and create a better experience for other disabled fans.
Looking forward
With Xolani by her side, Jess is setting goals that once felt unrealistic.
Our dogs don’t just help us day-to-day, they help us believe we can do more. I couldn’t imagine life without Xenna, and now Xolani. They’ve given me back belief in myself.
Jess’s family see the difference too. “They know I’m not struggling in the same way. They can see I’m happy, and that they don’t need to worry about me.”
For Jess, having a canine partner has meant more than practical support. It has meant independence, growth and the confidence to step back into the world. “I’m not just surviving my day anymore – I’m out there making a difference. My confidence is the biggest change, and that’s all thanks to Canine Partners. Without them, none of this would have happened.”
