Tea for two… and one for the dog! Charity hosts dog-friendly afternoon tea to support life-changing assistance dogs
By Charities Correspondent
Dog lovers from across the Midlands are being invited to enjoy a special afternoon tea this March – all while supporting people with physical disabilities.
The charity Canine Partners, which trains assistance dogs for adults with physical disabilities, is hosting a Dog Friendly Afternoon Tea at its National Training Centre near Loughborough on Sunday 22 March, from 3pm to 5pm.
Visitors can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea featuring sandwiches, scones and cakes, while their dogs are treated to their own specially prepared dog-friendly snacks.
For those whose pets would rather stay at home, takeaway treat boxes for dogs will also be available – the perfect “doggy bag”.
Founded in 1990, Canine Partners trains highly skilled assistance dogs that help adults with physical disabilities live more independently.
These specially trained dogs can assist with everyday tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped items, loading washing machines and helping their owners get dressed.
Training each assistance dog costs around £50,000, and the charity receives no government funding. Instead, it relies entirely on donations and fundraising events to continue its work.
With more than 90 people currently waiting to be matched with an assistance dog, community support is more important than ever.
One person who knows first-hand how life-changing these partnerships can be is Andy Newton, 57, from Staffordshire, who will attend the event with his assistance dog Laila.
Andy has lived with a spinal cord injury for more than 30 years following a car accident and was partnered with Laila, a black Labrador cross Golden Retriever, in 2024.
Since then, he says his life has changed dramatically.
“I used to feel stuck at home and quite miserable, but Laila has given me my life back,” Andy said. “She helps with everyday tasks and gives me the confidence to go out and see people again. I feel like a completely new person and can’t imagine life without her – she’s my best friend.”
Rebecca Middleton, Community Fundraising Officer at Canine Partners, said:
“Our Dog Friendly Afternoon Tea is a fun and unique way to support our work. It’s not every day dogs get to enjoy their own afternoon tea! Every ticket sold helps us train more incredible assistance dogs and create more life-changing partnerships like Andy and Laila’s.”
Ticket Information
- Adults – £15
- Children – £7
- Dogs – £5
Spaces are limited and advance booking is essential. Visit the Canine Partners website to reserve a place.
