PUPPY love is behind a major recruitment drive by the Canine Partners charity – with the assistance dogs to host a party on Wednesday, March 1.
Some of the cleverest canines in the county will be showing off their astonishing skills in helping disabled people with everyday tasks, at the event at the charity’s centre at Heyshott, near Midhurst, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
This comes as Canine Partners, formerly based in Petersfield, is appealing urgently for more puppy parents – volunteers who look after and help train future assistance dogs in their homes until they are about 12 to 14 months old.
These volunteers provide early socialisation, taking their animal into different environments so they are confident and happy in any situation they may encounter with their disabled person.
They also help with basic obedience and skills training, with support from the charity’s experienced puppy trainers.
Among the current volunteers are grandparents-of-three Christine and Philip Louis, who are looking after their seventh puppy for Canine Partners, a 14-week-old Labrador cross golden retriever called Stefan.
Retired secretary Christine (65) said:?“I like being a puppy parent because I enjoy giving something back to the community by helping a disabled person regain their independence.
“It’s a great interest to have and an opportunity to help somebody else. It keeps you on your toes too, and it’s sociable. It’s also good fun.”
Puppy training supervisor Elaine Potter added:?“It is vital that Canine Partners recruits more puppy parents so that we can help change the lives of more disabled people.”
Food, equipment, vet bills and temporary holiday care is provided for volunteers.
For more information call 01730 716017 or visit www.caninepartners.org.uk/puppyparties