April 2006:
Canine Partner Orca Receives PDSA Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty Four legged lifesaver recognised for bravery
April 5th 2006, West Sussex : An assistance dog trained by Canine Partners was yesterday awarded a PDSA Gold Medal for outstanding devotion to duty. Orca was chosen to receive the award, recognised as the animals George Cross, after saving his human partner Cheryl's life after she fell into a water-filled ditch. This is the second time such a medal has been awarded to a Canine Partner, as it was given to Endal in 2002.
The PDSA Gold Medal, is the highest honour any civilian animal can receive for bravery and devotion to duty. Orca, an assistance dog trained by the charity Canine Partners (Registered Charity No. 803680) who specialise in providing highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities, was one of only three dogs chosen to receive the award this year.
Orca had been Cheryl Smith's partner for just two months when he distinguished himself by saving her life. Cheryl, a student from York, was enjoying an afternoon in the countryside. Orca was running, as he always did, at the side of her wheelchair. Suddenly, the wheelchair hit a rock and pitched Cheryl down a 15-foot embankment into a water-filled ditch. The wheelchair landed on top of her, pinning Cheryl face-down in rainwater, unable to move. Orca wasted no time in going for help. The rescue services confirm that Orca's skills and unstinting devotion saved Cheryl's life.
At an award ceremony in Wakefield, yesterday, Cheryl Smith commented, “I am so pleased Orca has received the public recognition he deserves. Now more people will know just how great he is!”
Date in 2006:
Coffin Mew & Clover raise funds for Canine Partners
Coffin Mew & Clover, one of the leading law firms in the south, employed a very different way to raise funds for local charity Canine Partners.
‘Hot Dogs for the Dogs’ saw various members of the firm, including the practice manager, director of marketing and trainees, donning their aprons and retreating to the kitchens for a few hours recently. Over 100 breakfasts of hot dogs and egg butties were consumed and £350 was raised to help this important charity carry on their vital work.
Canine Partners aim to transform the lives of people with disabilities, by providing them with highly trained assistance dogs, enabling them to enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life. As a registered charity they receive no government funding and are wholly dependant on public donations and legacies.
The charity is based in a newly established National Training Centre in Heyshott, near Midhurst in West Sussex. The facility was officially opened on 17 June 2005 by the charity’s royal patron, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The new facility is proving a great success and is enabling Canine Partners to move towards achieving their target of 48 partnerships per year by 2009, thereby transforming the lives of an increasing number of partners. More information on Canine Partners can be found on their website: www.caninepartners.co.uk
Sara Lloyd, Practice Manager presented the cheque to Karen O’Donoghue, Canine Partners Corporate and Trust Manager at their Christmas Puppy Party. The party gives the puppies and their volunteer puppy parents a chance to relax with staff and supporters for a morning of fun, games, fancy dress and general showing off!
The whole firm enjoyed having a hot breakfast delivered to their desks and planning for the next fundraiser is already underway. More information on Coffin Mew & Clover can be found at www.coffinmew.co.uk
Jan 2006:
Local Dog Recognised As Carer
Direct payments used for amputee’s assistance dog
January 2006: Blakedown resident David Beard has recently been awarded direct payments by Worcestershire County Council, which he will use to look after his Canine Partner Inca. This isn’t the first time a dog supplied by Canine Partners, a charity that provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities, has been recognised as a carer by a local council.
David Beard is a double above knee amputee who has not been apart from Inca since they were partnered in 2000. Inca understands and responds to some 100 commands including taking the washing out of the machine and loading it into a basket; opening and closing doors; returning dropped items; getting shopping items David can’t reach as well as various emergency procedures.
Local County Councils recognise that many people prefer to make their own choices about the care and support they receive and will make direct payments available to anyone eligible for community care. This allows people with disabilities, learning difficulties, the elderly and others to pay directly for the services they need.
David comments, “Inca is there for me 24 hours a day 365 days a year and I could not be without him. It has been a long journey to be awarded direct payments - previously I using part of my Disability Living Allowance to cover Inca, as I am on a very limited income. Worcestershire County Council have persevered with my case and shown a very caring approach, which has made a huge difference.”
Carole Thatcher from Worcestershire County Council comments, “By awarding David £16 a week, this will cover the costs associated with having Inca including food and vets bills. Direct payments are a great way of letting people take control of their lives and David has chosen to use his payments to keep Inca healthy, happy and at his side as his carer – a wonderful choice.”
