Allen Parton gave us an enlightening and moving talk about his life in the military and the tragic events which prompted him to start the Hounds for Heroes
charity.
Allen described how a severe head injury which left him without memory. He could not remember getting married or the births of his children, he was unable
to walk, speak or write and spent five years in hospital struggling to come to terms with his disabilities.
Allen’s life changed when he was partnered with a yellow labrador assistance dog, Endal, who helped him to regain his confidence and transformed his life
Allen described how Endal could solve problems and how he reacted in emergency situations.
Allen’s amazing partnership with Endal lead to him forming a new charity to help the disabled of the Armed Forces and the Emergency Services and
Hounds for Heroes was born.
Sadly, Endal died in 2009 but the partnership lives on and Allen is now accompanied by EJ (Endal Junior) who is one of the first dogs to be trained
under the auspices of Hounds for Heroes.
Allen hopes that the work of Hounds for Heroes will enable more injured service men and women to be able to have the companionship of an assistance dog.