Bravehounds of Lennoxtown-based charity make the grade

The Bravehound show, an annual event marking Armed Forces Day last Saturday, includes a host of canine categories, from Most Aerodynamic Ears to Best Salute and Best Cadet.

There were more than a 100 entries with the competition opened up to domestic pets as well as support dogs.

Bravehound founder, Fiona MacDonald, said: “We created this event four years ago to bring veterans and members of the public together. Veterans often feel very isolated and with the lockdown, this has been accentuated.

We wanted to make sure that the event still went ahead this year - it’s important to keep things going and show we are here to offer support during challenging times, as well as creating a fun focus.”

One of the judges, Brigadier Donal Hardie (Ret.) added: “Virtual judging was so hard – in the end, it was the eyes which drew me to Rob in the best Bravehound dog category. But that aside, let me say what an incredible job Bravehound does. It’s difficult to imagine the traumas suffered by those who have PTSD. Many lose their jobs, their wives and families, but these dogs give them the chance to get their lives back.”

Ex-Paratrooper and Paralympic Nordic skier, Scott Meenagh, judged the Most Aerodynamic Ears category, with Prince Zazu flying off with that prize.

Forces radio presenter Jim Gellatly chose the distinguished Bravehound, Sir Jeff, a Sprocker spaniel, as Best Bravehound Cadet.

Lyn, a Golden Retriever and Bravehound support dog from Peterhead, was selected as Best Salute by US Consulate Principal Officer Ellen Wong.

Terrier Daisy was chosen for Best Beard by Royal Marines’ Captain Chris McGinley and Brigadier Donald Hardie judged Spaniel Rob Best Bravehound Dog.

The ultimate award for Best in Show went to black puppy Labrador, Pete, who is a Bravehound support dog in training.

Pete’s prize is to be painted by top pet portrait artist, Karla Buswell.