Canine Partners is a progressive charity which aims to transform the lives of people with disabilities (Partners) by providing them with highly trained assistance dogs, enabling them to live more independently and enjoy an enhanced lifestyle. People, resident in England and Wales, aged 18 years and over who have a disability that causes difficulty with walking and limits the use of their hands and arms may apply. Most of the Partners use wheelchairs and include people with the following conditions:

Cerebral Palsy Frideriech's Ataxia Muscular Dystrophy Multiple Sclerosis Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle bones) Spinal Muscular Atrophy Rheumatoid Arthritis Spina bifida Spinal Injuries Polio Stroke.

Canine Partners respond to over 100 commands and can help with the following: Opening and shutting doors, switching lights on and off, drawing the curtains.

Emptying the washing machine.

Retrieving a wide variety of items such as keys, an inhaler, crutches or the telephone and giving them to their Partner.

Passing over the purse or wallet and items at checkouts.

Helping to stabilise during wheelchair transfers or walking with crutches. Carrying out a range of emergency procedures.

After selection of potential Partners, there is a two-week residential training course for the Partner and dog together at the end of which they will graduate as a Partnership, if successful. Follow-up aftercare and supervision continues for the lifetime of the Partnership.

For details please contact: Canine Partners Unit E2, The Brickyards, Steep Marsh, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 2BN

Tel: 01730 894830 Web: www.caninepartners.co.uk Best time to telephone: 9am - 5.30pm, Monday - Friday