Fantastic Flossie graduates in some style

THERE was a different kind of graduation ceremony as Flossie, the puppy bought by the Observer for charity Canine Partners, took to the stage.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Mar 2009, 15:38 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:10 BST

Two-year-old Flossie has become a canine partner after completing her advanced training.

She is one of nine dogs that graduated during a special ceremony to celebrate the achievement of both the dogs and their disabled partners.

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Flossie, a golden retriever, is a companion canine partner for Dariusz Kacprzak, a 27-year-old Polish man who was injured in a road accident.

"I am so grateful for the independence that Flossie has given to me," said Dariusz. "I cannot thank Canine Partners enough for all their hard work."

Flossie has been trained by the assistance dogs charity Canine Parners, based in Heyshott, to do task work at home like picking up dropped items and helping Dariusz with his physiotherapy exercises.

She acts as a type of physiotherapy because regular grooming and stroking her will improve the function of his left hand.

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Andy Cook, from Canine Partners, said: "We are delighted Dariusz and Flossie are forming such a good partnership. We aim to create 40 new partnerships across this year and thank the community for their on-going supporting us to help make this happen."

Isabel Campbell, director of fundraising, added: "Some applicants who apply to Canine Partners have lived for months or years without leaving their home.

"For them a Canine Partner is truly a life enhancing experience '“ literally opening doors enabling them to enjoy a greater independence.

"Others have an active life but need some additional help in order to enable them to continue living life the way they want to."

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It costs 10,000 to train a puppy to become a canine partner. Puppies can be adopted for 1 per week.

For information about Canine Partners and how to get involved with fundraising visit http://www.caninepartners.co.uk

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