If you knew that a specially trained assistance dog could positively change your life wouldn’t that be an amazing dream?
This dream has become a reality, as members of the Rotary Club of Fareham heard from the Founder of Hounds for Heroes Allen Parton.
Allen explained that they provide this practical support for wounded men and women of both the UK Armed Forces and also the Emergency Services.
Allen became disabled after a horrific accident in the Gulf War in 1991 and spent five years in hospital unable to read, write, walk or talk whilst also losing the memory of his wife and children.
His wife Sandra was a puppy parent for an animal charity. Allen accompanied her to a class one day where he met Labrador pup Endal who hadn’t been too obedient in training.
The Club has so far donated in excess of £1,160 and will continue to raise money for them until June 2022.”
Without instruction, Endal chose to pick up items and place them in Allen’s lap and they immediately bonded – the rest is history.
Endal even learnt sign language until Allen could speak and the dog was trained to put him in the recovery position if needed as well as to summon help!
Allen’s dog was the reason he set up Hounds for Heroes, recognising that what had been done for him could assist others too. The charity fully funds the cost of a dog including food, veterinary care and insurance.
The President of Fareham Rotary, Norman Chapman, explained why he chose the Hounds for Heroes charity for his presidential year.
Allen explained that they provide this practical support for wounded men and women of both the UK Armed Forces and also the Emergency Services.”
He said: “I particularly chose Hounds for Heroes as my charity for this presidential year as they do so much good for so many people – it really is inspiring.
“He spoke so well to club members who found his presentation very moving.”
The club has so far donated in excess of £1,160 and will continue to raise money for them until June 2022. You can ‘enlist’ to support this charity on www.houndsforheroes.com
