From birth Endal had the lifelong debilitating joint condition osteochondrosis in both of his front legs,[6][7] which brought his suitability for assistance dog training into question.

However, due to Endal's intelligence and problem-solving abilities he qualified as a fully operational and accredited assistance dog although he was only part trained by the charity Canine Partners for Independence.

[15] In February 2010, Parton registered a new charity, named Hounds for Heroes, in memory of Endal and to help men and women who have been injured in the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services.

[21] The above Able Magazine article continues on: "Over the years, Endal has learned to pull the plug out of the bath before going for help if Parton falls unconscious whilst bathing, and is able to put Parton in the recovery position, hit the emergency button on the telephone and summon help... Endal has learned how to use both chip and PIN ATMs as well as helping out with shopping, opening train doors, operating lifts, unloading the washing machine and more typical doggie skills like getting the paper.

"[18] Parton states that Endal's ability to comprehend his wishes and needs showed when they first met, and this was responsible for helping him recover from the initial deep depression and trauma caused by his disability.

[25] Endal appeared in the Sky real Lives documentary "The Dog that saved our marriage", transmitted on 12 March 2009.

As examples he cites that Endal would still decide at times to chase squirrels in the park, or might take waste paper out of the rubbish bin to Parton, in order to gain a reward for "picking it up from the floor".