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From Sleddogs to Therapy Dogs
As an Ex Army Officer, Graeme Scott is only too aware of the stresses and strains placed on our countries servicemen and woman who, these days, are called upon to conduct overseas operations on ever increasing frequencies. We have all now become well aware of some of the life changing injuries that have recently been sustained during conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. The continued support of those injured service personnel has seen the development of several charities which backup the current forces rehabilitation systems. South West Scotland R&R (Rest and Recuperation) is one such charity, and is the brainchild of Jennefer Tobin who is based near Dumfries. The intention is to provide an ‘out of unit’ retreat for injured personnel in the comfort of a purpose built facility, where a carefully selected range of activities are carried out. Graeme, who is based locally, conducts water based adrenaline activities such as wild water swimming and coasteering for visiting groups. The intention has always been to provide excitement and challenge to individuals with a wide range of injuries. In addition, to support and encourage them to participate as fully as possible and find ways to compensate for their injuries. In doing so the injury become less of an issue, or certainly more manageable.
Graeme initially introduced the visiting groups to his ‘pack’ of racing sleddogs as an interest activity. "I brought the guys back to the kennel after a river session and showed them the dogs and equipment that I used. As more groups visited it became apparent to me that there were other benefits cropping up. I have dogs in the kennel that are multiple World Champions, real athletes, with different needs to your normal household pet. I’m also sure that they view the world they live in from a different dimension to what we expect them to.”
"Our Armed Forces are now in a higher state of readiness and training than previous generations. They can easily be considered as real life athletes, operating in a different arena. Here is the first similarity between the dogs and the soldiers, and we are able to discuss the requirement to remain in peak physical fitness using similar programmes to human training. My second observation was based around the hierarchy within the ’pack’ which can be compared to a Troop of soldiers for instance. We have related the dogs jobs to those within the troop, with more responsibility placed on those with more experience, and those who have proved themselves in races. We can identify the leaders and the led, with definite paths for them to follow as they progress. We also realise that each individual, at whatever level in their careers have their part to play. The team being only as strong as its weakest player.”
One of the most powerful visits to the kennel relates to this topic and happened almost by accident. A group of Coldstream Guardsmen were introduced to the dogs in much the same way as previous groups. Graeme had returned to the kitchen for more teas and coffees leaving dogs and soldiers together outside. "All was quiet as the kettle boiled so I took a quick look outside to check all was in order. What I saw fascinated me. 10 soldiers where sat out in the kennel, each with a dog in their arms. Some were having a quiet smoke, others a cup of tea or making a quick call home. The only similarity was that the soldier’s heirachy had attached itself to the same heirachy of my ‘pack’, a structure that we had not yet discussed on this particular visit. The old and bold where sat quietly together while the younger energetic lads were sat or were playing with their canine counterparts. All was quiet and contented, it was a magical moment for me. My dogs were relaxing along with young men who were in need of just that, in a completely different environment than normal.”
The simple act of stroking a dog creates and steadying and calming feeling that most of us have experienced. For the short moment that these young men are with the dogs, they too can gain that relaxing benefit, and perhaps it allows them a brief moment to reflect on their experiences.
So Graeme has found that his fascination with dog psychology has formed a part in the delivery of adventurous activities to injured and rehabilitating servicemen. An area which he never dreamed would happen when he began his sleddog journey all those years ago.
http://www.southwestscotlandrnr.org.uk/
Graeme’s sleddog team @ www.activesummits.co.uk
Graeme feeds his dogs on CSJ food and more about his background and amazing sled dog racing achievements can be seen in the profile of Graeme Scott.
Group photo
(posted 02/12/2011)
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