Dame Alice alumna, Sally Whitney (2003), and her black labrador cross golden retriever dog, Ethan, joined Years 9 and 10 in their assembly this morning (Friday), where Sally talked about her personal experience with the Canine Partners charity.

At aged 17, Sally was struck with a mystery illness and was eventually diagnosed with Lupus, a severe autoimmune condition, and later Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects her connective tissues and causes mobility problems.

Sally’s health worsened and, since 2013, the previously fit and active young woman has been confined to a wheelchair, and unable to be left alone in a room in case she has a seizure or a medical emergency.

In 2015 Sally was partnered with Ethan through Canine Partners. 

Mrs Emma MacKenzie, Marketing & Development Officer, said: “Ethan is Sally’s constant companion and has given her a new independence – he can fetch water, pick up anything she drops, open doors and call for help if she needs it. Amazingly he has also learnt how to use Sally's contactless credit card – but so far he has managed to hold back from taking it on a spending spree and stocking up on treats and toys! 

“But most of all Ethan has given Sally freedom and a positive future to look forward to.”

Canine Partners (www.caninepartners.org.uk) are a UK charity who were formed in 1990, with the mission to transform the lives of physically disabled people through partnership with specially trained assistance dogs. 

Sally helps with local fundraising events for the charity and she and Ethan are one of the poster couples of the charity.

Mrs Emma MacKenzie added: “The girls found Sally’s story very moving but also very inspirational. They really enjoyed meeting Ethan too.”