HOUNDS OF LOVE
My pet has helped me through darkest times
When Lee Aitchison’s Army career was cut short due to a rare condition brought on by an accident during training, he turned to his black labrador Angus for help through his darkest days.
Just 18 months after being diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disease, the strapping dad of five found himself confined to a wheelchair.
It was a devastating blow to a soldier who had proudly served his country in Afghanistan.
But Lee, 31, found great companionship in his dog Angus. That’s why, when he heard about veterans’ charity Bravehound, he was eager to get involved.
The charity were launched in 2016 and match dogs with veterans in a bid to aid their transition back into civilian life.
Lee, who is married to Linda, is now one of their volunteer trainers and is the proud foster parent of adorable 12-week- old Labrador Sox, who will become the charity’s brood bitch.
Bravehound, who have been nominated for a Sunday Mail Great Scot Award, have already made a huge difference to the lives of eight Army veterans and the requests for dogs just keep coming.
Lee, of Airdrie, who joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at 18, said: “I injured my leg during a training exercise in 2010. The Army doctors could find nothing broken but my leg continued to swell. Six months later, I was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition and, not long after that, I started to lose the function in both my legs.
“It was an almighty blow for all of us and I eventually had to come out of the Army.
“I became depressed and angry at the world and it was my dog Angus that got me out of that frame of mind.
“That’s why last year, when I heard about Bravehound, I was keen to get involved because I knew how much spending time with my dog had helped me through my darkest times.”
Two weeks ago, he became the proud owner of Sox. He said: “She is set to become the brood bitch for the charity. I suppose I’m a bit like a foster carer for Bravehound but she will always live with me and my other two dogs Angus and Hamish. I’ve fallen in love with her.
“Having to leave the military throu through illness or injury is a devastatingdevas experience. Anything that can make the transition easiereasie is invaluable – that’s why BravehoundBrav are so special.” VeteranVe Mick McConnell, who lost a leg whi le serving in Afghanistan,Afgh received Sasha, a spsprocker spaniel, from the charitycha earlier this year. HeH said: “My sniffer dog MemphisMem was with me when I waswa injured. When he was retired,ret I was reunited with him.him He helped me through somesom dark days. Memphis passedpa away earlier this year. “I wasw devastated. But thanks to toBra Bravehound, I was introduced to Sasha and we are inseparable.” Bravehound founder Fiona MacDonald said: “Most veterans adapt well to civilian life but many face real difficulties, in particular those with post-traumatic stress disorder. That’s where the charity come in by offering much-needed support and companionship.
“We have matched up eight veterans and dogs so far. We are now getting requests from two veterans every week.
“The idea is massive in the States but is only catching on in the UK.
“We are lucky to have so many incredible volunteers, from veterans and ex-Army dog handlers to serving police dog handlers who help train the dogs.
“I am so proud of the charity and we’re over the moon to be nominated for a Great Scot Award.”
I’ve fallen in love with her already