UPDATE: Belle is now featuring on the official Kiltwalk social media channels. Check out why we are Kiltwalking here https://www.facebook.com/thekiltwalk/videos/616184184574162/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v.

I have the most amazing Canine Partner assistance dog, Belle, who enables me to remain as independent as possible by doing so many tasks for me - picking things up that I drop, loading and unloading the washing machine, opening and closing doors, pressing lift and pedestrian crossing buttons, bringing me the phone and items from elsewhere in the house, helping me get out of bed, bringing my wheelchair to me as well as companionship, cuddles and so much more. I’m obviously biased but she is also stunningly beautiful and has recently been nicknamed ‘Belle Macpherson’ because of her gorgeous looks, long legs and slim figure! She’s also incredibly photogenic as you’ll see from photos here. We have been partnered for 6 years and did the Edinburgh Wee Wander in 2023 and 2024. Belle would love to be our Team Captain but is happy being vice team captain instead, encouraging us all to raise as much as we can. She has helped our previous teams raise over £6,000 doing the Kiltwalk so far and this year we’d love more people to join our merry band and help the charity, Canine Partners to continue its life changing work raising even more. Belle along with canine partner, Gregg, his custodian and other team members also loved meeting Sir Tom Hunter at the start of last years Kiltwalk.

Since we signed up for the 2025 Kiltwalk, Belle has sadly been diagnosed with terminal cancer and we hope that she will be able to join us on the walk but if not, she will be in all our hearts as we walk. As Belle’s time might be limited, I have applied to Canine Partners to be considered for a successor dog but I have no idea how long it will take for the charity to find a perfect match for me as there is already a long waiting list for successors. 🥰💜🐾

Canine Partners amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks. They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and fetching help in an emergency. Our life-transforming dogs also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction and self-esteem.