RAF veteran's assistance dog transforms life after early retirement

Summarised from BBC Hampshire's report · Updated 6 Nov, 08:37 · Archive

A Royal Air Force veteran says his specially trained assistance dog has made a significant difference to his independence and quality of life.

Brian Holland, a Royal Air Force veteran from Littlehampton, has credited his assistance dog Marine with making "a lot of difference to my enjoyment" and helping him regain independence. Marine is one of the specially trained dogs provided by Hampshire-based charity Hounds for Heroes to physically disabled serving and former members of HM Armed Forces and UK emergency services.

Holland retired from the Air Force early due to an incident and said he "deteriorated" as he aged. When he knew he needed support, he approached Hounds for Heroes, which supplied him with Marine the following year. The dog helps with everyday tasks such as picking up dropped items and leading him in the right direction, and the trainers can update Marine's skills as Holland's needs change.

The charity, founded by Royal Navy veteran Allen Parton, says its dogs "help people regain independence, confidence and quality of life by supporting everyday tasks and providing trusted companionship". Holland said the dog is "effectively part of my care team".

Read the report

• The assistance dogs 'serving those who served us'Brian Holland is one of the veterans who regained independence thanks to a Hounds for Heroes canine.BBC Hampshire · 6 Nov, 06:09

In this story: Brian Holland · Hounds for Heroes · Littlehampton · Royal Air Force · Allen Parton

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