Hounds for Heroes: Support just keeps on growing

The campaign to raise money for "Hounds for Heroes", the charity set up by Allen Parton to provide trained assistance dogs for injured armed forces and civilian emergency services personnel, is already gaining momentum.


Since it's launch, people the country over (myself included!) have been offering up their support through various fund raising events, ranging from raffles to dog shows, and photography competitions to a special charity ball, which took place on 17th April 2010 at Jury's Inn, Birmingham.
Organised by Lynda Cain and Steph Colquitt of Hounds for Heroes, attendees were treated to a three course meal, with talks from Wayne Palmer, Chairman of Hounds for Heroes, Paul Ross from Help for Heroes, and Matt Croucher GC, author of the best-seller, "Bullet Proof", who was awarded the George Cross for his acts of bravery whilst serving in Afghanistan.
An auction followed, which included prizes such as a signed Man Utd football, a 'Platinum-Deluxe' make-over and photo-shoot, and tickets to a variety of shows, before the disco had people dancing into the night.
In total the evening raised an incredible £4325, which has been split between "Hounds for Heroes" and "Help for Heroes" - both very worthy charities indeed.
For more information, please visit www.houndsforheroes.com

Also aiming to raise funds are a brave bunch of "Canicross" runners. Canicross is the latest doggie sport that is sweeping the country, which involves using specialised leads so you can safely run with your dogs. Simon(42) and Cushla Lamen(40), Nicky Hutchinson(49) and Mark Dunbar(47), along with their canine companions, will be running five marathons over five days, from Ilfracombe to Bulford, as part of the Project 65 Forces March, taking place between 27-31 May 2010. For more information about the Forces March, visit www.project65.net
Information about Canicross can be found at www.canicross.org.uk

Cyclists from specialist supermarket Waitrose are also rising to the challenge by taking a trip to Paris, with the proceeds going to Hounds for Heroes. The group, from Petersfield, Hampshire, took part in a photo shoot on 14th May 2010, which included members of the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, Police force, Fire brigade and Ambulance service, as well as local MP's, Allen Parton with EJ, and adorable reservist puppies, Blaze, Sarge, Gunner and Colonel. Photo's of the day can be found on the Hounds for Heroes Facebook page. ( http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=153732569277 )

One more notable name that must be mentioned is PC Katie Johnson, of Lancashire. On New Years Eve 2007, PC Johnson, a police dog handler and trainer, was shot during a violent robbery at a pub in Bamber Bridge, Preston. She states;
"I became aware of the charity during my recovery period when I read Allen Parton’s (founder of Hounds for Heroes) book."
After contacting Allen to tell him how inspiring his story was, they stayed in touch, and PC Johnson was "honoured" when Allen invited her to become an ambassador for the charity.
"I am absolutely delighted that Katie has decided to get involved and believe she will be a huge asset to the charity." says Gulf War veteran, Allen. "Her knowledge and love for dogs is vital and I think she will be able to provide that link between the charity and police forces across the United Kingdom."

The Hounds for Heores Puppies on Parade appeal is aiming to raise £100,000 to purchase and train five Labrador puppies up to a standard that will assist injured or disabled people.

"Hounds for Heroes is about enablement, independence and an enhanced quality of life for so many injured personnel. We are here to make a difference" says Allen.

For more information, or to lend your support, please visit www.houndsforheroes.com

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Endal: How one amazing dog is still changing the lives of injured services personnel. (UPDATED)

Most people in the doggie world will know the story of Endal, an assistance dog who captured the attention, and hearts, of people the world over, with the amazing story of how he gave owner Allen Parton, a Chief Petty Officer serving in the Royal Navy during the Gulf War, the confidence and independence to rebuild his life, and relationships, after a devastating accident left him with physical and emotional injuries.

After the accident, Allen lost many of his memories, including those of his wife and two children, as well as the use of his legs. Confined to a wheelchair, Allen became completely dependent on others. Being a highly intelligent man, he struggled to accept this, and found himself sinking into despair. That is until one bundle of golden fur adopted him.

While attending Canine Partners, a charity that trains assistance dogs for the disabled, Allen formed a unique relationship with a yellow Labrador called Endal. And the rest, as the say, is History.

Endal looking deservedly proud

Sadly, Endal passed away in Spring 2009, but his legacy lives on in the charity "Hounds for Heroes", a dream come true for Allen Parton.

The charity has been set up to train assistance dogs specifically to give injured Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel the freedom and independence that Allen himself gained from one special little dog.

The charity is still very young, and a group of dedicated volunteers are working tirelessly to raise enough funds to purchase and train the first dogs. Please visit the website (www.houndsforheroes.com) and donate what you can. You can also order a set of dog tags engraved with the Hounds for Heroes logo from eBay. The link can be found on the website.

Allen with EJ (Endal Junior), whom Endal took under his wing before he sadly passed, continues Endal's legacy by providing Allen with independence and companionship. EJ is one of the first dogs to be trained by "Hounds for Heroes."

I would never pretend to understand the hell that our brave servicemen and women go through on a daily basis, especially those injured in the line of duty. However, I do know that dogs can have a profound, positive effect on your health and well-being.
Please lend your support to this wonderful cause.

Below are some photo's of Endal during his day-to-day life as an assistance dog.
I would like to say a big Thank You to Allen Parton for a lovely email, and for sending these photographs.

Endal on a shopping trip.

One of the many tasks that this incredible dog undertook on a daily basis.

Endal's dedication to Allen meant that no job was to big, nor to small.

Endal helping Allen at the cash point machine; it was this display that drew the attention of the media.

Due to his injury, Allen had no memories of his wedding to wife, Sandra. But after Endal gave Allen his confidence back, the couple decided to have a "second wedding" that, after all they have been through, was well and truly deserved.

"Endal" by Allen and Sandra Parton, tells the full story of this extraordinary dog, and is a must-read.

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