This is the origin story of the charity, Service Dogs UK, which supports veterans of the military and blue light services in training their own PTSD assistance dogs. 

Hear its founder and operations director, Garry Botterill, on the various training models, and how his own lived experience in the military and police has informed the training model and contributed to the approach taken by Service Dogs UK.

Find out more about assistance dogs supporting veterans

Garry mentions all these organisations in this episode. As we say in the episode, there are many other organisations and charities - these are just some of them!

• Service Dogs UK and the Dogs Making a Difference Awards 2026
• Paws for Purple Hearts (U.S.)
• Paws and Stripes (New Mexico, U.S.)
• Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS) (South Carolina, U.S.)
• Warrior Canine Connection (Maryland, U.S.)

Connected Dogs with Jobs episodes on assistance dogs

• Duke, the PTSD service dog, (also trained by Service Dogs UK) 
• Mika, the well being and trauma support dog in the Metropolitan Police 
• By your side: navigating life with a guide dog over time
• Ralph, the owner-trained, multi-tasking assistance dog - perfect for a Rogate teenager
• Darcey, the Canine Partner: an assistance dog relationship in full bloom
• Benjy, the trainee guide dog's first five weeks on the job
• Daisy, the autism assistance dog - practical, psychological and emotional support

Do you work your dog?

Or perhaps you know someone else who does and might like to come on the show?  I love to hear about all and any working dogs - the more varied, the better! 

Get in touch with me, Kate, via team@shineradio.uk.

Find more dogs with interesting jobs. 

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2026