A Dog’s Trust dog called Gracie has become the newest Service Dogs UK recruit, helping people who have PTSD after serving in the armed forces or emergency services.
The six-month-old Springador – a cross between a Springer Spaniel and a Labrador – came into Dogs Trust West London Rehoming Centre in July after her owner had a change of circumstances and could no longer care for her. She joined Service Dogs UK on 5 August.
Richard Moore, Dogs Trust West London Rehoming Centre Manager, said: “We’ve worked with Service Dogs UK a few times before and as soon as I met Gracie I thought she’d be a great candidate for them, and it sounds like I was right!”
Jane Hoare, Foster Liaison at Service Dogs UK, said: “We don’t usually have dogs as young as Gracie and we were unsure how it would go but she’s absolutely wowed everyone. After three weeks we took her to the emergency services show at the NEC where she was the perfect Ambassadog and two weeks ago she met HRH the Duke of Kent when he visited us to find out more about our work. Gracie hasn’t been paired with a veteran yet but as soon as she finds a match she’s going to be amazing.”
Jane assesses the dogs and teaches them some basic manners before working with veterans and their paired dogs for two hours twice a week for upto 12 months.
She said: “Usually dogs would still be at the assessment stage at the moment, but Gracie is such a sponge that we started training early. She’s 100 percent the perfect UK Service Dog recruit.”
Richard added: “I’m so happy to hear that Gracie is doing so well and can’t wait for more updates.”
If you would like to help us to continue to be there for more dogs and their owners when they need support, please give what you can by visiting www.dogstrust.org.uk/changethetale
