A GRANDAD who spiralled into depression when worsening arthritis forced him to give up his career as a coach and lorry driver has found a new lease of life since becoming a volunteer.

Steve Oliver, of Hollis Way, Southwick, became a volunteer puppy parent for Canine Partners after having to leave his 40-year career as a driver.

Mr Oliver, 62, joined Canine Partners’ West Country puppy training group in 2013 and was asked to look after eight-month-old Quintus, taking over from another puppy parent.

He continued training Quintus, with support from his wife Sue, teaching him the basic skills he needed for life as an assistance dog while ensuring he was always well-behaved.

Then, when he was 15 months old, Quintus left Mr Oliver to begin his advanced training at Canine Partners’ southern training centre in West Sussex, where he developed the skills he learned with his puppy parents.

It was there that he was matched to Rosie Pocock, who has limited mobility due to ME and a spinal injury – and the pair have been inseparable ever since.

Dad-of-two Mr Oliver said: “Becoming a puppy parent got me out of a dark place. It has given me a purpose in life.

“I got through it with the help of Canine Partners. I’m doing this to help other people, but it has actually helped me.

“It gets me out of the house and I’m socialising a lot more now.

“I also had so much support from the other puppy parents. I could pick the phone up to anyone.

“I cried when Quintus moved out to start his advanced training but then within a couple of weeks we had our next puppy and we started again.

“And when we saw how much they help their partners it makes everything even more worthwhile.

“I would say to anyone thinking about becoming a puppy parent to just do it, get out there and try it. It’s only a year’s commitment whereas if you have got a pet dog it’s for life.“You love them all. They’re all different.”

The retired lorry driver is currently looking after his fourth puppy for Canine Partners, a 13-month-old golden Labrador called Jordan.

For more information or to apply call 08456 580 480, email info@caninepartners.org.uk or visit caninepartners.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/puppy-parents.