SOME of Hampshire’s smartest puppies will be at a skill showcasing event.

Puppies training to become assistance dogs will be at an event in Fareham on Wednesday as part of a demonstration to educate community members into the work they do to aid disabled people.

The dogs, from Canine Partners, will be at Titchfield Community Centre from 10.30am-12.30pm.

The assistance dog charity provides canines for people with disabilities to help aid their independence and quality of life.

The charity has an urgent need for puppy parents – special volunteers who look after and help train future assistance dogs in their homes until they reach a year to 14 months old.

Puppy training supervisor Elaine Potter said: “It is vital that Canine Partners recruits more parents so that we can help change the lives of more disabled people.

“Without these essential volunteers, we cannot train the numbers of dogs that are needed. By taking a puppy into their homes our volunteers know they can make an enormous difference and give someone back their independence.”

Tim Seward, a current puppy parent from Hill Head, said it is one of the most rewarding things he has done.

Tim, 70, said: “We began with no knowledge of what we were going into but it’s become a huge part of our lives. It’s one of the most rewarding things we have ever done.

“Through volunteering as puppy parents, speakers and fundraisers, we have been to places and done all sorts of things we would have never done otherwise. It broadens your life.

“It’s never going to be easy when the dogs leave you for their advanced training but you have to remember that they’re going to do a wonderful job and they will be absolutely loved.”

The skills taught to the dogs by puppy parents will be on show at the community event, with members of the public having the chance to speak to trainers and volunteers.