A dog competition is about to start to find out which of Britain’s military rescue pooches will be proclaimed ‘top dog’. Three dogs, representing the British Army, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, will be judged based on how much money they can make for veterans over the next month. From tomorrow, Loki, a gorgeous huntaway representing the RAF, Larry the labrador, British Army, and a chocolate cocker spaniel called Bracken, Royal Navy, will have their own JustGiving pages where military supporters can donate money to get behind their favorite dogs. Any money donated to the dogs will go to supporting the charity Service Dogs UK.
The dogs are all in foster care with Service Dogs UK and being trained to become PTSD assistance dogs for veterans.
Dogs at the charity are paired with a military veteran struggling with PTSD and undergo a nine – 12 month training, which includes homework and a Canines and Comrades Walk and Talk Group.
They are trained to wake the Veterans from night terrors, to position themselves to provide space around the Veteran when they feel crowded, to fetch medication, to interrupt anxiety attacks and to take the Veteran to the nearest exit when needed, as well as additional tasks if they are also physically disabled.
The challenge officially opens at midday tomorrow (June 4) and the winning dog will be announced on July 1.
Any money donated to the dogs will go to supporting the charity.
Talking about the incredible work of the service dogs, the Founder and Director of the charity Garry Botterill, himself a Military Veteran and a retired Police Sergeant said: “Many Veterans were reclusive before they started on the programme, they didn’t go out, they didn’t socialise and many were suicidal.
“The programme has changed that for them, they now have a place to go where everyone understands PTSD and where a supportive bunch of Veterans can provide support to each other in a safe and positive place where they teach their dogs to become assistance dogs!”
Meet the dogs
Loki
Promoting Loki, the charity said: “Since joining us from Dogs Trust this gorgeous Huntaway has been ‘bang on’ at training and never gets into a flap, even with those ears! Can you spare a few beer tokens to keep this cheeky chap on top of the world?”
