Disabled Partner, Bernard Wallis, who lives in Hampshire, with his Canine Partner Jinx
and puppy-in-training Rene. At the age of 18 Mr Wallis lost a leg in an accident
and six years ago he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Canine Partners, the charity which transforms the lives of people with disabilities by partnering them with highly trained assistance dogs that provide practical help and emotional support, is experiencing a worrying decline in funding and is today launching and urgent appeal for donations.

The Gift of Independence Appeal is being launched on December 2nd in the hope of raising £4,000 to purchase eight new puppies to enter the Canine Partners training programme in January.

Terry Knott, the charity’s Chief Executive says: ‘The needs of our disabled Partners and potential Partners are immediate. We are not alone in being affected by the current economic climate which has resulted in funding downturns of around 20% for many national charities for several months.

‘At Canine Partners we run a very tight ship and only eight and a half pence of every pound we receive goes towards the administration of the charity a very healthy benchmark which many other organisations would envy. This efficient financial management has helped us to remain relatively stable throughout the year, but even we are now getting concerned about our falling funds. This is why we are launching an urgent pre-Christmas appeal in the hope that members of the public will be able to help.

‘We have many successful canine-human partnerships operating all over the country, says Mr Knott. and members of the public are used to seeing our dogs in action as they help their partners with the shopping or on public transport. We are asking people to donate what they can at this difficult time to help us continue transforming the lives of people with disabilities.

We are a relatively young and small charity and receive no Government funding. We rely completely upon the generosity of the public. Every little bit will make a difference.’

Posters for the appeal feature Partner Bernard Wallis, who lives in Hampshire, with his Canine Partner Jinx. At the age of 18 Mr Wallis lost a leg in an accident and six years ago he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Donations can be sent to: Canine Partners, Unit E2, The Brickyard, Steep Marsh, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 2BN, or telephone 08456 580 480, or online at www.caninepartners.co.uk