A Helping Paw
Bravehound is a charity that supports military veterans who are struggling with their mental health, mainly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), due to experiences or injury during their military service.
“My father served in the Royal Navy during World War II, and although he was never diagnosed, I believe he suffered from PTSD,” Fiona
MacDonald, Bravehound founder and CEO, explains. “I’d always had an interest in veteran welfare and, as a former opera singer, I was more than happy to accept any requests to support military charities at events.
“While fund-raising, I met so many veterans who were isolated and finding it difficult to go out and feel part of the community.
“I thought that owning a dog might help these people, and that’s why I set up Bravehound ten years ago.”
Veterans from all three branches of the Armed Forces who are living in Scotland are eligible to apply for a dog, though the charity’s assistance is limited by funding.
“Bravehound dogs range from a toy poodle right to a Newfoundland,”
Fiona says. “They’re sometimes donated puppies or slightly older dogs, and sometimes we’re given a donation to purchase a puppy.
“This can be in memory of someone or because a person wants to support a member of our Armed Forces.”
Dogs need to be sensitive to the veterans they are partnered with and fit into their lifestyle.
“Some veterans are avid hillwalkers, others have mobility issues so need a less active dog,” she adds. “What’s most important, though, is that a Bravehound provides twenty-four-hour companionship.
“They are a reason to get up and go out. They give purpose to the day.
“For isolated veterans who have perhaps lost touch with their family and friends, it’s incredibly important to have a constant companion, to have a living being who is dependent on you and wags their tail when they see you.”