Hounds for Heroes

16/06/2026

Mastering the art of doing nothing.

Cranwell has been practising his 'settle' while out and about.

While it might look like he's simply relaxing, this is an important part of his training. Assistance dogs need to be able to remain calm and settled in a variety of environments, whether that's a café, restaurant, meeting or waiting room.

Whether their future partner is meeting friends, attending an appointment or stopping for a coffee and cake, they'll need a dog who can switch off and settle comfortably by their side.

Judging by this photo, Cranwell is taking his responsibilities very seriously.

15/06/2026

A huge thank you to AirTanker for inviting us to your Families Day at RAF Brize Norton🐾

We had a fantastic day meeting families, sharing more about our work and, of course, introducing Bosun to plenty of new friends. Safe to say he was a big hit!

We are also incredibly grateful for AirTanker's generous commitment to donate 50% of the funds raised on the day to Hounds for Heroes as one of their chosen charities. Support like this helps us continue training and placing life-changing assistance dogs for physically disabled serving and former members of HM Armed Forces and the UK Emergency Services.

Thank you for your support and for helping us raise awareness of our work. 💙

14/06/2026

Standing watch. 🫡⚓

Reservist Dog Tilly and Amber, who is currently in training, enjoyed a day out taking in the sight of HMS Severn.

Every new experience helps our dogs build confidence and develop the skills they'll need as future assistance dogs. From days out like this to everyday training and care, Puppy Parents and Fosterers play a vital role in helping our dogs reach their potential.

13/06/2026

People often ask what our Assistance Dogs are trained to do.

The answer isn't the same for every dog.

That's because the answer isn't the same for every person.

Before a partnership begins, we spend time understanding the practical challenges someone faces in their day-to-day life.

From there, we train a dog to support them with tasks that can help increase independence.

Every partnership is unique.

That's why every Assistance Dog is too. 💙🐾

If you're curious about how our Assistance Dogs can support their partners, you'll find more information here:

https://www.houndsforheroes.com/supporting-you

And if you'd prefer to talk things through, please get in touch at [email protected]. We're always happy to answer questions and help you explore whether a partnership could be right for you.

12/06/2026

"Excuse me, do you have any books on becoming an assistance dog?" 📚🐾

Blaze recently paid a visit to the library as part of his ongoing public access training.

While the books were tempting, this visit was all about practising the skills he'll need as a future assistance dog. From calmly exploring the aisles to settling quietly in a new environment, every outing helps build his confidence and prepares him for the important role ahead.

Judging by this photo, we'd say Blaze was taking his studies very seriously! 💙

11/06/2026

A huge thank you to Laura and everyone at Elanco Animal Health for inviting us to your event.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share more about Hounds for Heroes and introduce everyone to Tilly, our wonderful Reservist Dog, who thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many new friends!

We were also delighted to hear more about the incredible challenge being undertaken by a team of Elanco colleagues this November. The team will be taking part in The Mercy Walk, a demanding fundraising challenge that will see them walk from Reading to London over two days, including an overnight section.

Covering many miles on foot and pushing themselves both physically and mentally, they are taking on this challenge to raise vital funds and awareness for Hounds for Heroes.

The dedication, teamwork and commitment being shown by everyone involved is truly inspiring, and the funds raised will help us continue providing life-changing assistance dogs and ongoing support to physically disabled serving and former members of the Armed Forces and Emergency Services.

Thank you to everyone at Elanco for your warm welcome and incredible support. We wish the Mercy Walk team the very best with their training and preparations, we'll be cheering them on every step of the way!

You can sponsor their walk here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/mercy-dog-walk

10/06/2026

Happy birthday to Chelsea, who turns 3 today! 🎉🐾

Our happy, smiley Chelsea throws herself into everything she does. With a wonderful personality and just a hint of sass that always keeps us smiling, she's impossible not to love.

From a tiny, smiley puppy to the happy three-year-old she is today, that smile still says it all 💙

Wishing you a truly pawsome day, Chelsea! ❤️

09/06/2026

It's been a privilege to watch Steve and Hercules grow together as a partnership.

From Hercules's training through to the life-changing support he provides every day, we've had the honour of seeing first-hand the difference an assistance dog can make.

Seeing the independence, confidence and companionship that Hercules brings to Steve's life is exactly why Hounds for Heroes exists.

Thank you to the Army Benevolent Fund for sharing Steve's story and for their continued support. Together, we're helping to create more life-changing partnerships like Steve and Hercules'.

Read Steve's story below ⬇️

Steve served for 18 years in the Army, including overseas postings and operational tours, before leaving due to serious injury. In later life, he has faced significant physical and mental health challenges, including complex PTSD and loss of independence. Through support from the Army Benevolent Fund, both directly with funding for an electronically propelled vehicle and via its partner charity Hounds for Heroes, Steve has regained mobility, independence and vital day to day support through his assistance dogs.

Read Steve's full story ➡️ https://armybenevolentfund.org/stories/steves-story-hounds-for-heroes/

09/06/2026

Today we're celebrating our amazing Reservist Dog, Tilly, as she turns 4! 🎉🐾

Tilly does a brilliant job showcasing the skills of our assistance dogs, helping people see first-hand just what these incredible dogs can do. A much-loved member of the team, she helps us spread the word about Hounds for Heroes wherever she goes!

Happy Birthday, Tilly!

08/06/2026

Happy Best Friends Day! 💙🐾

Tilly was delighted to catch up with some of her friends at Barnaby's Coffee Shop Swanmore recently!

Along with her Puppy Parent, John, she popped in to thank the team in person for their fantastic fundraising efforts, which raised an amazing £390.27 for Hounds for Heroes.

Thank you, Barnaby's, for your kindness and support. 💙🐾