West Sussex News Winter 2009

West Sussex Puppy Satellite News Winter 2009

Sandra Parton, Puppy Operations Manager (now Veterinary Liasion Manager) was originally a qualified Nurse with experience in Obstetrics, Gynea, Orthopaedics and Paediatrics. “I have also studied Principles of Counselling at Southampton University; so nothing really to with dogs at all,” said Sandra. Sandra became involved with Canine Partners in 1997 as a “Puppy Walker”’ or “Puppy Parent” as they are called these days. “Within a week I had my first puppy Ferdie, a beautiful yellow Labrador. After 6 months with Ferdie, I exchanged him for a beautiful Golden Retriever called Gracie, this was my first experience of Goldies and I learnt very quickly that she was as pretty as she was cunning. Gracie was quickly followed by Indi, a yellow Labrador, and then Ikea, another Goldie.”

As a family they quickly became involved with Canine Partners in other ways, giving talks, attending events etc and then finally in 2000 Sandra was taken on as a member of staff to recruit puppy parents. At the time we had 12 dogs and 15 puppy parents. The role grew along with her hours and this really brings us up to date with some 70-80 pups and over 100 puppy parents and foster homes. Sandra said, “I work well for chocolate but still need a salary to pay for the slimming clubs to get rid of the chocolate. I enjoy the work I do, and feel privileged to have learnt so much, met some fantastic people and made some great friends along the way.”

Sophie, Puppy Department Assistant has now been in the department for over a year and not a day goes by without her organising and rearranging the filing system which was badly in need of an update. As well as working in the office, she often gets roped into taking a puppy home at the weekend.

If you are keen to become a Volunteer Puppy Parent and you would like to visit our puppy classes to learn more: please fill in this Puppy Training Department Form. We appreciate all your support and if you would like information on other local Canine Partners' volunteer opportunities, please contact us.

Contact Sophie Fitzgerald, Puppy Department Assistant on 01730 716 017 or email: the Puppy Training Department.

Up and Coming Events

Heyshott day out

The Heyshott Puppy Parents were invited out to lunch (Puppy picnic). We all went to Glenis’ lovely house, which is set in wonderful surroundings of beech woods near Pulborough. We started off with a very welcome cup of coffee in the church hall close by, then a walk in the woods. The lunch was delicious and we were made very welcome. (This is the second time our hostess has done this for us). The puppies had a great time too; back at the house they dived in Glenys’ large pond and came out a different colour. It was a lovely day. “Thank you Glenys, can we come again?” asks Sandra.

Homested Dog Club and Glenis, volunteer Puppy Parent, Demo Dog owner and overall great lady, again arranged a Charity Dog Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park this summer.

For information on each Puppy Training Satellite utilise these links:
West Sussex; East Sussex; Essex; Hull; Bedford; Gloucester; Southampton; Isle of Wight; East Scotland; West Scotland.

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