RUSH TO REHOME ARMY DOGS

Ex-soldier is among volunteers

OUR caring readers have been queuing up to offer homes to ex-Army dogs.

We revealed last month how hundreds of military mutts have been put to sleep after being retired.

But thanks to our campaign the Ministry of Defence vowed to save more hero hounds.

And since our appeal a raft of dog-loving readers have come forward to adopt one.

Former soldier Toby Sweeney, 64, was one of those who were moved by our campaign.

He said: “I felt distraught reading about the Army dogs being put down after spending their lives in service. We used dogs on patrol in Northern Ireland and the protection they offered was incredible. “Without a shadow of a doubt, I was more relaxed when we had dogs with us because they provided us with a back-up.”

Toby, inset, who lives in Edinburgh, served all over the world during 22 years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers. He went on to work for a kilt maker in the Scottish capital.

Toby added: “I’ve owned four dogs over the last 20 years and three of them were German Shepherds. “They make such good pets because they’re loyal. Once they get to know you they will protect you with their life.”

The former corporal said when he is given a German Shepherd to adopt he will treat it like a “brother in arms”.

Toby added: “I want to give one a forever home.”

Denise Parry, from north Wales, told us: “I wanted to cry and cheer at the same time – it’s brilliant that people like yourself highlight topics like this and let the public know.

“All these animals need and deserve a chance to live to an old age and be loved.”

We revealed how more than 1,000 military working dogs have been destroyed since 2002.

Hundreds were killed because they were classed as being “old and worn out” according to Ministry of Defence documents.