Samantha (49) from Cambridge, spent her early career doing what she loved most – caring for children. She qualified as a nursery nurse, and spent her early twenties working as a nanny, then in a nursery.
It was a busy, active life that involved being on her feet all day and using her hands. So, when Samantha began experiencing unexplained symptoms, she never imagined how much life was about to change.
In 2002, after many appointments, doctors and tests, she was diagnosed with Dystonia – a neurological condition that causes painful muscle contractions, spasms and abnormal postures. Samantha has a rare form that affects all four limbs, as well as her jaw, oesophagus, bladder, and bowel.
As the years passed, her condition progressed. Her hands worsened, causing her fingers and thumbs to contract into the palms of her hands. Her ankles inverted, and she struggled to open her jaw. She underwent several major operations, including the removal of her bladder and colon.
The condition didn’t just affect her health; it affected every part of her daily life.
There’s no cure and I was told it would get worse over time.
Losing independence
For years, Samantha lived with her mum, who supported and cared for her as her condition worsened. But in 2007, her mum sadly passed away. After that, life became much harder.
Determined to stay as mobile as possible, she agreed to an experimental operation to straighten her ankle and toes, hoping it would allow her to walk again. But the operation was unsuccessful and Samantha was left unable to weight-bear at all. Living alone, she now needed carers to support her day-to-day. “I was really struggling. Simple things were exhausting and frustrating.”
Samantha couldn’t take off her coat or cardigan without help. If her feet became swollen, she had to wait for carers to remove her socks and boots. She was constantly dropping items and had no way of picking them up herself.
Life at home was hard, but going out alone was impossible. Her confidence disappeared and her world became small. “I didn’t like asking strangers for help, so I relied on friends to go shopping. But I didn’t want to feel like a burden.”
Life with Bugsy
After discovering Canine Partners online. Samantha decided to apply and in January 2015, was partnered with Bugsy, a Golden Retriever. “I fell in love with him straight away. I struggled to hold back my tears.”
From the start, Bugsy brought independence back into Samantha’s life. If she dropped something, Bugsy would pick it up as soon as he saw or heard it fall – often without being asked. He opened and closed doors and drawers, fetched items from cupboards, and even learned to take out his own bowl at mealtimes and put it away afterwards.
Around the house, Bugsy became her extra pair of hands. He fetched the post, put his toys away, opened the bin lid, dropped rubbish in and closed it again. He could load and unload the washing machine and collect items when Samantha needed them.
Out and about, Bugsy pressed lift buttons and disabled access pads, helped Samantha reach items on shelves, and even passed her purse to cashiers.
But Bugsy’s most meaningful tasks were the ones that gave Samantha back her privacy and dignity. “He helped me undress by undoing zips and removing clothing, he nudged my legs back into bed when they fell out, and in an emergency he could activate my lifeline to call for help – he gave me my independence back.”
With Bugsy by her side, Samantha became confident enough to go out alone again. “Bugsy was one in a million. He really means the world to me.”
In 2025, after ten and a half years together, Bugsy retired at the age of 12. He stayed at home with Samantha, swapping his working jacket for a quieter life, full of rest and well-deserved adventures.
“He’s done so much for me. There was no way I could let him go anywhere else – I couldn’t imagine life without him.”
A new chapter with Hank
Not long after Bugsy’s retirement, Samantha received an exciting call from Canine Partners about a successor dog.
In 2025, she was partnered with a black Labradoodle called Hank. “I was over the moon. No one could replace what Bugsy meant to me, but when I looked into Hank’s eyes I knew he was going to make a difference in my life.
Hank settled in quickly, bonding closely with Samantha and following her everywhere. “He is so clever, fast to learn and enthusiastic about his task work. Watching Bugsy and Hank together has been a joy too. Hank has brought out Bugsy’s playful side, and the two dogs have become close companions.”
Just like Bugsy, Hank helps Samantha with the everyday tasks she can’t manage alone. “Without Hank, I would be totally reliant on another person and facing the possibility of life in a care home” Instead, Hank has given Samantha has the independence to stay in her own home and enjoy life again. “We go out every day together – to the park, on long walks or just out and about in the community.
Hank’s impact doesn’t stop there. Alongside Busgy, he accompanies Samantha to local nursing homes, where the duo bring comfort, companionship and plenty of smiles to the residents. “The residents light up when they see Bugsy and Hank, and it’s so special to watch. They really brighten their day.”
I can live my life again!
For Samantha, living with Dystonia has meant adapting as her condition deteriorates. She lost her mobility, her independence, and the life she once knew.
Thanks to Bugsy and Hank she has regained so much. “You don’t realise how much the small things matter until you can’t do them. Canine partners give you the freedom to live again.”
Bugsy gave Samantha back her independence when she needed it most and Hank continues that support every day. For Samantha, the difference is clear. “They’re not just assistance dogs, they’re my family. Bugsy and Hank have opened the door to independence again.”
