Kenny has been attending meetings of A Veterans’ Best Friend for around two years. He now sits on the Board and helps direct the way forward and innovations of the Charities’ culture, charter and commitment to the veterans it supports.
In his own words, Kenny tells the story of the journey himself and his Golden Labrador, Angus, have been on over the last two years or so.
One of the ambitions of the AVBF is to provide assistance dogs to veterans of the Armed Forces.
"Assistance dog" is the internationally established term for a dog that provides assistance to a disabled person and is task-trained to help mitigate the handler's disability. "Assistance dog" is the term adopted by organizations who train and provide assistance dogs, and some disabled people who partner with assistance dogs. Assistance or service dogs are to not be confused with Emotional Support Animals.
Here is their story -
Along with my golden Labrador Angus, I have been attending AVBF for almost 2 years. I have found the weekly visits have offered me an opportunity to relax in a group of likeminded and supportive veterans. We reminisce over a cuppa and there is much banter which we all agree we look forward to. Over the years since being diagnosed with PTSD I have attended other groups and sessions and have to say that I have found AVBF to have been of the most benefit. They have offered emotional support for myself and advice regarding training of Angus.
Unlike other organisations, the support provided by AVBF does not end when the group meeting is over. There is the comfort of knowing that if needed there is an ear willing to listen if required.
Approximately 6 months ago, on the advice of AVBF, Angus and I started to attend Oliver's Army for further help with training Angus to become an assistance dog. I had a few issues with Angus, he pulled badly on lead and he could be reactive at times to other dogs. Although I did not feel he was aggressive it was a behaviour that needed to be addressed to enable Angus and myself to get the most out of each other. On our first visit with Oliver's Army they suggested a gentle leader halti. This has been an absolute game changer and made walking Angus so much more pleasurable and makes it easy to control him when he sees other dogs.
The trainers at Oliver's Army are very knowledgeable and helpful. They have been very patient in their training when it appeared that neither Ken nor Angus were listening and also being considerate of Kens mental health issues.
There is a noticeable improvement in Angus behaviour, especially when seeing other dogs. I was very proud when he passed his Bronze Level and was awarded his blue jacket. Oliver's Army have included the AVBF logo on his ID badge and also on the tag that he wears attached to his blue jacket.
I am very grateful for the help and ongoing support from A Veterans Best Friend who provide the finance for Oliver's Army and we would hope to look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship going forward.
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