Puppy Paisley is part of Paws For Progress and Bravehounds helping veterans with PTSD

The Golden Retriever is being trained by young men at HMP YOI Polmont as part of the Paws For Progress scheme.

But not only is the dog helping with mental health and wellbeing in the young offenders institution, she is also preparing to go on to another vital role.

Once the young men in Polmont have finished her socialisation training, she will become a Bravehound – paired with a veteran living with PTSD.

June McPhillips, Training Officer from Paws for Progress, said: “I had been volunteering for Bravehound for a while when I found I was in a position to become a puppy socialiser, which could have wider mutual benefits through involving Paisley in Paws for Progress.

“Paisley loves attending our training sessions at HMP YOI Polmont, and the young people get a great sense of achievement knowing that through Paisley they are helping to better the lives of those who have served their country.”

For the last 10 years young people at HMP YOI Polmont have been taking part in an innovative rescue dog training programme which aims to rehabilitate them and their canine companions.

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