Disabled man bids farewell to dog who saved his marriage and his life

Endal, one of the best-known dogs in Britain, has sadly had to be put to sleep after suffering a stroke.

The amazing labrador had given 12 years of devoted service to Allen Parton as an assistance dog, specially trained to carry out all kinds of everyday tasks for people with disabilities.

The incredible difference he made to Allen's life made Endal famous far and wide and won numerous awards.



Back in 1991, Allen, then a chief petty officer in the Royal Navy, suffered a serious head injury in a road traffic accident during the first Gulf conflict. Losing his memory, he recognised neither his wife nor his young children and also found himself in a wheelchair.

Canine Partners allocated Endal to Allen and the need to communicate with his four-legged partner facilitated Allen in learning to speak again. Confined most of the time to a wheelchair, he is now fit and outward going, journeying all over the world and delivering presentations.

His story is told in Endal: How One Extraordinary Dog Brought a Family Back from the Brink, which shot up the top-10 bestsellers list its release in February. (With video about Canine Partners).