It’s thanks to Irma I have got a springer in my step once more
Paul and dog that gave him hope up for award
A TRAUMATISED former soldier and the puppy who helped him rebuild his life are in the running for a prestigious award.
Paul Wilkie, 47, from Perth, suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after tours of duty in Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo but began to recover when the charity Bravehound matched him with spaniel Irma.
The pair and fellow Scot Colin Macnab – who raised more than £200,000 for veterans’ charities – have been shortlisted at the Soldiering On Awards which honour the military, veterans and organisations who support them.
Paul, a Royal Engineer for 22 years and also a veteran of the Falklands War and Afghanistan conflict, said it was “an honour” to be nominated for the Animal Partnership award at the event in London tonight.
He said: “Irma is used to all the fuss. She is a wee poser. When I walk down the street, everyone says, ‘Hi Irma’ and she gets all the attention.
“If she wins it, it will be absolutely tremendous.”
Irma, who was voted the most caring animal of the year at last year’s Animal Hero Awards, changed Paul’s life. He said: “I loved my career in the Army.
“I was just gutted that I got hit with PTSD. It completely changes your life – the depression, the anxiety.
“It ruined my marriage. I lost my house. I was living in a forest for a while.
“Having Irma has calmed me right down. Instead of waking up frightened, crying and really hurt, I’ve got a puppy licking my face.”