The healing power of dogs described by Scottish war veteran

Bravehound is a Scottish charity that supports former servicemen, women and their families. On their website they state "dogs can help heal invisible wounds" The charity provide training and dogs to support veterans, some of whom have post-traumatic stress, mental health issues and physical injury. One man who has told his story is Army veteran Paul Wilkie who thinks that his dog, Irma, saved his life.

Bomb disposal expert Paul Wilkie experienced many traumatic events when in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. After leaving the army after 22 years in 2012 he was diagnosed with chronic post traumatic stress disorder. His life then took a downward spiral as the symptoms impacted on every area of his life.  He experienced vivid nightmares about what he had seen, including children blown up while playing with mines in Bosnia. Paul was committed to a mental hospital, lost his wife and home, and ended up sleeping rough in a forest. At a particularly low point he went into a coma and was given just two days to live during a seven-month stay in hospital.  

The armed forces charity SSAFA in the Scottish city of Perth were the first to try help him out and then Perth Council managed to secure him independent accommodation.  However, the terrible flashbacks and nightmares continued. It was then that Irma entered his life. She was the first service dog trained by the Bravehound charity. Paul has previously described his experiences in an article in the Animal Hero Awards website and he has recently had his story told on BBC Scotland. He described how Irma's friendship turned his life around. Paul said that: "Before Irma came into my life I was in the lowest place, with really deep depression, anxiety attacks and suicidal thoughts." The faithful spaniel is always by his side, waking him when he is experiencing nightmares and flashbacks and encouraging him to face each new day.

Last year Irma was named as Most Caring Animal in the UK by the RSPCA. Paul told a reporter that, "She's an absolutely amazing dog and I'm so glad she's been recognised for it. Thanks to her I don't get panic attacks anymore and she's put an end to my suicidal thoughts, she's changed my life that much. If everyone had an Irma in their life, the world would be a better place." Paul now lives in his cottage with Irma, a pet duck called North and a cat named Mr Tibbs and says; "We are a wee happy family."