Fawley man fights to keep late wife's service dog from Canine Partners

Sean Morris has been left heartbroken after his wife of 21 years, Kathy, suddenly passed away at the age of 50.

Like Sean, Kathy used a wheelchair and relied on the assistance of a service dog called Taz.

But following her death on March 31, charity Canine Partners told Sean his wife's golden Labrador could be rehomed - something the 57-year-old is unhappy with.

The Fawley resident would like Taz to stay in his home alongside his own service dog, a black Labrador called Sylvia.

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Sean Morris with service dogs Taz and Sylvia. (Image: Daily Echo, Emily Liddell)

"I couldn't bear to see him taken away," he said.

"He was my wife's dog and he is a part of her.

"I don't understand why he can't retire and be kept as a pet here.

"Canine Partners has said they want to assess him to see if he can be rehoused.

"You can tell that Taz has been deeply affected by all of this."

Kathy was paralysed from the waist down and Sean has scoliosis that severely limits his mobility.

The two dogs were trained by Canine Partners to help them get dressed, open doors, and pick up items off the floor.

Recalling the day his wife died, Sean said Taz "just couldn't understand what was happening".

"He was licking her face trying to get her up, I was shaking her, I just didn't want to believe it.

"She was my whole world, I don't know what I'm going to do without her.

"Her laugh was contagious, I have never loved somebody as much as I love her."

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The retired Tesco depot worker said he called the charity to let them know about Kathy's passing but was told that her dog might be reassigned to someone else.

Taz is six years old and has lived with Kathy and Sean for four years.

Sean claims removing him would be "unfair" on the dogs and him, adding that the worry has put added stess on him at an already difficult time.

A spokesperson from Canine Partners said: "We can’t comment on an individual ongoing situation. 

"However in cases like this, we have to work out what is best for the dog but also in the best interest of the partner’s family while they grieve the loss of their loved one. 

"There is a thorough process behind this, with the dog’s welfare as an important priority. 

"The dog will be reassessed before a decision is made on whether they need to be retired or are suitable to be re-partnered with an applicant on our waiting list. 

"The dogs remain within the ownership of Canine Partners during all partnerships and the decision is made on a case by case basis."