Bravehound


Bravehound is a Scottish charity that supports former servicemen, women and their families. They provide training and dogs to support veterans, some of whom have post-traumatic stress, other mental health issues as well as physical injury. BRAVEHOUND dogs are provided with support for both the dog and veteran over the dog’s lifetime. Weekly individual and group training sessions are provided free of charge. Bravehound is funded by the Chancellor using Libor funds The Covenant Trust Fund and public fundraising initiatives

History

BRAVEHOUND began in 2016 as the canine wing of the Scottish charity Glen Art who support veterans and their families through various events including Theatre of War,A Night To Remember featuring Dr Bill Frankland in support of the Parachute Regiment and a 2016 memorial concert celebrating the life of Sir Nicholas Winton in support of Syrian refugees.

Mission

BRAVEHOUND aims to partner suitable veterans with BRAVEHOUND dogs in order to support their transition into civilian life. Providing lifelong training and welfare support for the lifetime of each BRAVEHOUND.

Activities

Bravehound's first dog Irma was paired with a veteran of 22 years military service. At the 2017 Animal Hero Awards hosted by Amanda Holden, Irma received the prize for 'Caring Animal Of The Year'.
Bravehound have worked with veteran David Heyhoe in developing their training programme - Heyhoe's dog Treo was awarded the Dickin Medal in 2010 for his life-saving work in Afghanistan; the Wilfred Owen Association to commemorate the World War I poet's centenary and with Damien Lewis & Jason Morgan at the Honourable Artillery Company to discuss their book A Dog Called Hope to raise awareness for assistance dogs.
Scent of a nightmare : Bravehound are involved in scientific research into the way dogs use their senses, especially their acute sense of smell to detect the changing moods in humans. The research is being led by Robert Hewings, a former soldier and police officer at the UK College of Scent Dogs.
In January 2019 Bravehound founder and CEO Fiona MacDonald was chosen by UK Prime Minister Theresa May for a Points of Light Award which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community.
In April 2019 Bravehound won the Soldiering On Award for animal partnership; The Soldiering On Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country, and the diverse people and groups who work together in support of the Armed Forces Community.

Awards

2017 'Caring Animal Of The Year' at the Animal Hero Awards.
2017 UK's 'Best Voluntary/Charity Project' in the National Lottery Awards.
2019 Points of Light Award
2019 Soldiering On Awards 2019