Spotlight to shine on remarkable dogs in Arundel

A CHARITY which trains assistance dogs for disabled people is inviting residents to its first-ever event in the grounds of Arundel Castle.
By Tom Cotterill
Published 29th Apr 2015, 12:47 BST
Sally Hyder, of Edinburgh, who suffers from MS, has a dog named Harmoney which helps her with everyday tasks PHOTO: Alasdair Macleod SUS-150429-113631001Sally Hyder, of Edinburgh, who suffers from MS, has a dog named Harmoney which helps her with everyday tasks PHOTO: Alasdair Macleod SUS-150429-113631001
Sally Hyder, of Edinburgh, who suffers from MS, has a dog named Harmoney which helps her with everyday tasks PHOTO: Alasdair Macleod SUS-150429-113631001

The remarkable work Canine Partners does will be on full display during the rally at the Arundel Castle Cricket Ground on July 9.

The charity will be demonstrating some of the tricky tasks their assistance dogs can do, from taking clothing out of a washing machine and dressing and undressing their partners to calling for help in an emergency.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During the night, guests will also hear of the inspiring stories of those who have been helped by assistance dogs.

Lecturer Martin Smailes, 56, is one of those. He has a spinal injury and is supported by canine partner, Keith.

He said: “To say Keith has transformed my life would be an understatement. He has changed my life from one of increasing solitude and confidence loss to a bright fun filled, enthusiastic and confident forward looking future.

“Both at home and at work Keith would just continually amaze us with his ability to understand what I needed from simply retrieving a dropped item to retrieving the phone, TV remotes, collecting the mail, opening and closing doors, and much more.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He has such a calming nature that my day to day life is much less stressful than it has ever been.

The evening is being co-hosted by Lady Herries of Terregles, supported by Friends of Arundel Castle Cricket Ground and sponsored by estate agents Sims Williams.

Milly Pocock, Canine Partners’ special events officer, said was hopefully people would flock to the night.

“We are hoping lots of people will join us at our first-ever event at Arundel Castle Cricket Ground,” she said.”Some of our assistance dogs will be there on the evening, tails wagging ready to say hello.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is all set to be a fantastic evening while giving much needed support to our work, helping people with disabilities.

Byron the dog has been trained to retrieving cards from cash machines machine PHOTO: Nick Ridley Photography SUS-150429-113715001Byron the dog has been trained to retrieving cards from cash machines machine PHOTO: Nick Ridley Photography SUS-150429-113715001
Byron the dog has been trained to retrieving cards from cash machines machine PHOTO: Nick Ridley Photography SUS-150429-113715001

“It is a wonderful opportunity to introduce our amazing charity to the Arundel area.”

Guests will be able to enjoy refreshments, live music and have a chance to win a host of prizes from a family ticket to Arundel Castle, two tickets for Parham House and Garden, champagne afternoon tea for two at Hilton Avistock Park and a signed shirt by cricketers at Sussex Country Cricket Club.

Tickets are £15 per person, with children going free.

To purchase one, see here or by call Milly on 01730 716026.

The night will take place between 6.30pm and 9pm.

The charity has been training assistance dogs since 1990.

Related topics:SPOTLIGHTArundel Castle