Q Hair and Beauty has donated over £3365 towards the training of a puppy with Canine Partners, the UK charity which transforms the lives of people living with disabilities by providing them with amazing assistance dogs.
Nita, an adorable black Labrador pup, is the youngest Q have chosen to sponsor as she sets her paws on the path to becoming an invaluable, devoted companion and aid to a disabled person.
The Q donation is the result of a long fundraising campaign that involved tremendous support, time and effort from the salon’s team and generous guests. The donation was gratefully received by a representative of Canine Partners at the recent annual Q Fest, accompanied by one of the charity’s beautiful assistance dogs.
Dogs have always played a huge role in the life of salon owner Anthony Barnes-Smith, who over the years has adopted ten rescue dogs.
Director Dawn Lawrence is another dog-lover and between them, she and Anthony now have four golden retrievers who are often in the Q Salons to greet and make friends with guests. Managing Director Kain Lawrence will be adding another very soon.
“Canine Partners have been close to our hearts for many years,” says Dawn. “In fact, since we opened our salon in Midhurst just a stone’s throw from their then head office facility at Heyshott.
“Our dogs mean so much to us and we couldn’t imagine life without them. They are great companions, make you get out, get exercise, allow you time to grieve, reflect, clear your head and mind, and also help you to meet new people. They make you laugh, they love you unconditionally and forgive you without question. What’s not to love? If we can help bring that same love, joy, kindness, and support to someone who really needs it, then we should – we raised over £3365 in total.
“We hope Nita will be the first of many. Canine Partners receive no funding from anything but donations so we will continue to support them for however long it takes. It costs £50,000 per dog but if we all do our bit, it makes a huge difference.”