Hounds for Heroes provides injured and disabled servicemen and women with specially trained assistance dogs.

Charity founder to address vets at BVA Members' Day

The transformative effect animals have on our lives will be the subject of a keynote speech by Hounds for Heroes founder Allen Parton at this year's BVA Members' Day.

Former chief petty officer Allen served in the Royal Navy during the Gulf War. A tragic head injury changed his life forever, causing him to lose his memory and leaving him unable to walk.

As he struggled to come to terms with his injuries, Allen's life was transformed by assistance dog Endal, who achieved worldwide media coverage for his amazing abilities.

Labrador retriever Endal is quite possibly the UK's most famous assistance dog and the first dog known to be able to use a cash machine. He hit headlines back in 2001 after he managed to put Allen into the recovery position after he was knocked out of his wheelchair by a car - despite never being trained to do this.

In his keynote speech, Allen will talk about his traumatic injuries and the importance of the bond between animals and humans.

Endal, who was sadly put to sleep at the age of 13 in 2009, inspired Allen to found the charity Hounds for Heroes, which provides specially trained assistance dogs to injured or disabled servicemen and women.

Allen said: "With a healthy and happy dog anything is possible, these dogs are life changing and so enabling for their human partners. The dogs give their all unconditionally, so ensuring that in return they receive the very best in veterinary care from their very first day on parade to their retirement is an absolute given.
 
“The importance of the work vets do in ensuring the health and welfare of our dogs throughout their service is unquestionably pivotal to the success of our mission.”

BVA's Members' Day celebrates the achievements of the veterinary profession through a prestigious awards ceremony, which celebrates contributions to the advancement of the profession, and the commitment of graduates and students who have carried out overseas research projects.

President Robin Hargreaves will also give his end of year speech on some of the major challenges facing the profession. A new BVA officer team will be elected during the association's annual general meeting.

The free event includes lunch and a drinks reception, and is taking place this year at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on September 25.

A booking form is available on the BVA's website: http://www.bva.co.uk/membersday/

Images courtesy of BVA