THERE was a good attendance despite the June meeting being held on the last day of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Jill, President, welcomed Stella Hewitt who told members about her life with Jensen, her Canine Partner.

Stella said that she had always been a very active person, participating in all sorts of outdoor activities until, within seconds, her life was changed for ever by a very bad car accident.

She was seriously injured and faced life in a wheelchair, unable to do anything for herself, suffering from post traumatic stress and having to rely on several visits a day from various carers.

An occupational therapist called and encouraged her to start cutting out cardboard hexagons and eventually helped her to cover them with fabric and so started her on patchwork and quilting which is now her passion.

Stella moved to Malvern and one day the carers failed to come and she was left for many hours trapped in her bed.

Eventually a local occupational therapist called and found her and she suggested to Stella that she have a dog.

The therapist told her about the charity Canine Partners which was formed about 20 years ago. They train both dogs and people to live together and the dogs carry out all the tasks which able bodied people take for granted.

Stella was rather dubious but when she visited the charity she changed her mind. At the centre the trainee lives in a chalet with their new dog for 24 hours a day so that they can bond.

There are 300 Canine Partners at the moment and the training of a dog costs £20,000. The puppies have to meet exacting standards – out of the litter of eight pups, only Jensen and one other were good enough.

Stella’s goal was to manage without any carers after three months but she was told by the authorities that until she could prove she could make a cup of tea and a sandwich on her own this was not possible.

Unfortunately Jensen was very reluctant to get the milk out of the fridge because he had been taught that human food was forbidden but the day came when he did it – so, now no more carers.

Stella has had Jensen for 18 months – he helps her shower, dress, make the bed, fetch the phone, use the dishwasher and washing machine, shop, operate pelican crossings and help her with her sewing.

Most importantly if Stella should have a fall Jensen will push the alarm button and when he hears the voice of the operator he returns to her with a pillow and then a quilt which he covers over her. Members were all amazed at the work of Canine Partners and Jill gave Stella a vote of thanks.

Refreshments followed with a difference. As well as coffee members had wine and cupcakes decorated with the Union Flag. The business followed and names were taken of those wanting to go on the August outing to Whitlenge Gardens, the money for the coach to be paid at the July meeting and individuals to pay themselves for entry to the Gardens.

The speaker at the July meeting will be Angela Hugman telling us about Living in the Middle East.

Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at the United Reformed Church Hall (rear entrance) in Malvern Link, doors open 10am, start 10.30am. New Members and visitors are always welcome – for more information, please phone Jill Thompson on 01684 566540