Obituary – Endal GM

Endal, the treasured assistance dog of Gulf War veteran Allen Parton, took his final breath on 13 March 2009. He died in Allen’s arms surrounded by the people who loved him most – the Parton family.

Anyone who ever came in contact with Endal knew they were in the presence of a special dog and, in 2002, PDSA had the opportunity to recognise him for his life-saving devotion to Allen. When Allen was knocked out of his wheelchair in a car park Endal immediately put Allen in the recovery position, covered him with a blanket from the wheelchair and moved the mobile phone close to his mouth. Then he alerted staff at a nearby hotel. Endal’s quick actions saved Allen that night, just as he had saved Allen every day in so many ways.

Allen suffered a severe head injury in 1991 during the first Gulf War and returned to his wife and children a changed man. Unable to walk, talk or remember anyone or anything prior to the accident, the Royal Navy officer was angry and unwilling to participate in life. That was, until he met Endal. The chance meeting with the bouncy yellow Labrador at the offices of the charity Canine Partners was the start of a friendship that was to span 12 years.

The partnership with Endal soon began to make a difference to Allen’s life. They developed their own sign-language which guaranteed Allen could get his hands on anything from a hat to a hamburger. The partnership rediscovered Allen’s social skills and built his confidence and ability to talk again. After all, people wanted to know about this wonderful dog, so Allen had to learn to talk.

Endal’s practical assistance skills gained him a list of ‘firsts,’ including: the first dog to operate a cash point machine, and the first canine aboard the London Eye. Awards came thick and fast. Not only was he named Dog of the Millennium (Dogs Today) he went on to collect the PDSA Gold Medal and, a year later, the coveted Gold Blue Peter Badge. It was no wonder Endal was labelled the most decorated dog in history.

One of Endal’s last personal appearances for the charity was the opening of the PDSA Garden of Remembrance at the Animal Cemetery in Ilford. Once again, Endal was the natural star of the show. And once again he was wearing his PDSA Gold Medal with pride. The award is recognised as the animals’ George Cross, the highest honour for civilian bravery and Endal exemplified the criteria for exceptional devotion to his owner, many times over.

Allen says that Endal’s only vices were chasing squirrels, if the squirrels gave him a chance, and retrieving paper from the bin so he could qualify for a second treat when he picked it up. That was also part of Endal’s charm – he knew how to make people smile.

Endal had just nine months to mentor his successor, EJ (Endal Junior). It was enough time to demonstrate his skills, teach the youngster the value of devotion and pass on more than a little sense of mischief to the new kid on the block. There is no doubt that Endal will live on a little longer in EJ but for anyone who met the ‘big yellow’ there will always be the memory of a big hearted dog who gave courage and independence to his best friend, Allen Parton. Dog and man, a forever partnership.

PDSA extends its deepest sympathy to Allen and his family at this very sad time.


The recently published and best selling book Endal (Harper True) by Allen and Sandra Parton is a true and touching account of how a dog called Endal saved a man and his family. It is a fine tribute to a fine dog.

23/03/2009