Proud evening as Veteran Archie Douglas and BRAVEHOUND Cocoa are now the 2025 holder of the Animal Partnership category in the Soldiering On Awards last night .

Thank you to Pets Foundation Pets UK for sponsoring the Animal Partnership category. Thank you to Max Out in the Lake District and everyone who voted. Thank you!

It was great to catch up with our dear friends and fellow finalists Richard and Assistance Dog Ziggy and with Vicky and Dexter – all three finalists exemplify the life transforming and life-saving role of amazing dogs in the veteran community

Major Archie Douglas (Retd) and his Bravehound assistance dog, Cocoa, share a remarkable bond that embodies both partnership and hope.
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Cocoa’s extraordinary training enables her to detect when Archie is unwell, alerting those nearby with a clear message to contact his wife, Allie, rather than the emergency services, giving Archie freedom and peace of mind. Archie faced profound challenges post service that limited his independence; he now has freedom and peace of mind.
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Together, Archie and Cocoa are an inspiration for not just the military sector but the whole of society. Archie actively raises funds for humanitarian causes such as the Disasters Emergency Committee, while remaining a familiar and uplifting presence on the golf course and at the stool of his local church organ. Cocoa’s support empowers Archie to live fully and independently, proving the incredible impact of this unique animal-human bond.
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As the first Bravehound alert dog, Cocoa is a source of hope and companionship demonstrating the power of assistance animals to transform lives and strengthen communities.

https://www.soldieringon.org →
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