Burton on Trent couple welcome first canine partner puppy to Staffordshire

A couple from Horninglow, Burton on Trent are the first residents of Staffordshire to become puppy parents for Canine Partners, a national charity providing highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities.  Mary & Graham Butterfield are helping to look after 9-week old chocolate labrador Yaris, whilst he trains to become a fully fledged canine partner. 

Canine Partners has recently set up a puppy training satellite in Wychnor, led by Julia Hurley from Solihull.  The Charity is looking for other willing residents from the local area to become puppy parents.  Puppies stay with puppy parents from approximately 8 weeks old until they are considered ready to be returned to the Charity headquarters for assessment or advanced training, which can be between 6-18 months.  Although previous experience with dogs is not required, a puppy parent needs to meet the following criteria:

•  Be at home most of the day
•  Have a secure dog friendly garden
•  Have the stamina to manage an active young puppy
•  Attend weekly puppy classes near Wychnor
•  Follow Canine Partners training methods
•  Wave the puppy goodbye when your good work is finished
•  Enjoy the fun of classes and outings

Canine Partners will provide food and equipment for the puppy and cover all veterinary costs for the duration of the puppy parent relationship.  Mary comments, " I am so looking forward to watching the puppy grow up and training it. Knowing that it is going to do such an important job and change somebody's life for the better is a real bonus."

Paul McKenzie from Derrington has been the proud recipient of canine partner Millie since June 2010.  “If I drop something I no longer have to attempt to pick it up and risk falling from my wheelchair, as Millie is always there to pick it up and give it back to me. My friends say that I’ve regained my confidence and even my diabetes has become more controlled and I can spot signs of it drifting, something which I’d lost totally.  Thank you Canine Partners for helping me to rediscover my life.”

For further information on how you can help Canine Partners in Staffordshire, please contact Julia Hurley on 07954 404586.

Canine Partners for Independence. Registered in England No. 2516146. Charity Commission Registered No. 803680. Scottish Registered Charity No. SCO39050

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