A day in the life of ...
We have some inspirational dogs heading up our distances. They're making a difference every day in a range of ways. Find out more about the importance of their roles.
Bella
Now almost 10 years old, we have received absolute pleasure, joy and enrichment from little Bella - since she was approximately 20 weeks. She came to us terrified and anxious but with love, patience and gentle encouragement, she soon blossomed into the sweetest, caring and empathetic little friend!
Soon after we rescued Bella, she appeared to recognise the mental health struggles of her adopted Army veteran Dad, Barry. When he was having a nightmare she would snuggle her warm little body close to him and lick his ear until he was awake, calm and comforted. She also gave Barry hope and sunshine when days felt dark. During a visit to the local shopping centre, Barry suddenly felt overwhelmed with the crowds of people around him, and Bella instantly led him away into a quiet corner and he sat on the floor. She leaned into him, keeping constant eye contact, which 'grounded' him - enabling him to concentrate on her and breathe. We later discovered this to be called deep pressure therapy! From the start, Bella demonstrated her incredible natural, empathetic and calming qualities. Barry realised that he needed to share Bella's ability to help others who are struggling to feel a sense of joy and to make them smile!
By 9 months, Bella passed her Pets as Therapy assessment and she and Barry embarked on therapy visits to the local hospital, ITU, children's ward, care homes, hospice and palliative care.
Due to Barry being a military veteran, he wanted to try to help fellow veterans, and in 2017, after an interview, he and Bella were successful in becoming an official part of the clinical therapy team at Combat Stress in Leatherhead. During their visits, veterans may feel anxious about their therapy and counselling sessions and Bella uses her ability to help them relax. To stroke a dog releases feel good hormones, and her friendliness helps to bring about a sense of calm, which results in positive feelings. Combined with the unique treatment that Combat Stress provide, tailored for each veteran, Bella is able to put a smile on the faces of veterans and put warmth in their heart.
Barry, Army veteran and Petra
Harley Quinn
Rob was an Army dog handler and was deployed to Iraq for an arms and explosive search role. After leaving the Forces, he received Combat Stress' treatment for PTSD. He now runs a dog training business with his canine best friend, nine-year old collie and German shepherd cross, Harley Quinn.
Rob says, "Harley Quinn was abandoned in a ditch before being harmed by other dogs at a shelter. When I rescued her, I was going to help her get better then rehome her, but it was clear she really understood me. If I had night terrors, she'd wake me up and be there for me. Now we're best buds who help each other.
If aircraft fly over when we're training outside, she's my grounding animal. If something happens and I need space from other people, she stands in front of me to give me that. She just gets it and is very cool."
Rob, Army veteran
Copper
Copper is a 5-year old, copper coloured spaniel, who has been an arms and explosive search (AES) dog for 3 and a half years. When I joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in 2019, I envisioned working with Belgian Malinois and Shepherds, I never saw myself working with a small cocker spaniel, especially one that I would hear being referred to as 'cute' in the kennel lines. I do have to say that working with Copper has been an amazing experience and it is a joy to work with him.
AES dogs are trained to find weapons, weapons parts and explosives, and have been heavily used in a range of operations from Op Banner to Op Pitting. I was paired with Copper during my Arms, Explosive Search handler's course when we really cemented our bond. Copper and I have had an extremely busy time together, supporting various British Army units in late 2023, and due to the events that unfolded in Israel in October, we were quickly deployed to Cyprus to aid in the potential evacuation of British nationals and other people in the Middle East. We have also provided military aid to civilian authority tasks, and helped to search venues for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool.
This year we have supported the infantry battle school in Brecon and have recently returned from the US, where we attended the US Army's dog seminar, during which, dogs are tested in a range of different scenarios - we were pleased to be told that we both 'stole the show'. We have a busy year ahead, supporting training exercises and heading back to the US in the Autumn.
Corporal Harrison
