Internationally famed service
dog takes his final journey
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| Endal and Allen leave the Crufts building earlier this year for the final time together. |
ON Friday March 13, after more than 12 years of devoted service, retired Canine Partner Endal has been laid to rest. Endal's famous career as an assistance dog and partner of Allen Parton in Clanfield, Hampshire, has come to an end.
Allen reflected: "Having just completed the book and documentary I had the unique and wonderful opportunity to explore Endal's and my past in every detail. We laughed at the things we had done and actually at some of the things Endal was invited to - to open a school, a hydrotherapy centre, to help launch Crufts and even to open a wheelchair accessible loo ... the list rolls on ... but if I was to think of the most important thing Endal has opened over his 13 years it has to be opening so many people's minds to how important and valuable dogs are in our lives.
"Well, it really is a job well done my faithful Endal. I still can't pick a point in my life when I can say that I did something that made me worthy of Endal's unconditional love and devotion ... I have been truly blessed but now I realize that Endal was never only my dog. He was everyone's dog and the world truly is a sadder place today for his passing.
"His greatest legacy has to be bringing me back to my family and also mentoring faithful little EJ (Endal Junior) too, who is already punching above his weight and able to do 90 percent of what Endal was capable of, but it would not have been possible if Endal had not been here. The two were as one and I would be selfish to think my feelings of loss were the greatest, because Ikea and EJ dearly miss him too ... the three musketeers are now two.
I had been given the opportunity on Friday morning to tell Endal how much I love him and to thank him for all he has done for me these past 12 years and that is possibly the most important and significant moment of our relationship. He died peacefully in my lap, surrounded by those that loved him most - much loved and now much missed."
Endal was one of 205 dogs who have been trained to date by the Canine Partners organisation, to help people with a huge variety of mobility problems throughout Britain. With his loving canine partner always at his side, Allen became a fit and outward-going person, journeying all over the world and delivering presentations, thanks also to his own determination and the support of his loyal wife, Sandra.
Terry Knott, chief executive of Canine Partners, said: “Canine Partner Endal was an extraordinary dog. We are very sad that he has gone – he will leave a great hole in Allen Parton’s life and that of his family."
