Hero Highlight: Help Ryan Walk Again

On International Dog Day, we are reminded of the loyalty, courage, and companionship that dogs give us. For the armed forces community, dogs are more than pets: they are partners in service and recovery. From working dogs that save countless lives on operations, to PTSD support dogs that bring comfort and stability at home, they stand with our veterans through thick and thin.

Donate and share here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/zu7b6u-help-ryan-walk-again

Today, we want to share the story of a veteran who has spent his life serving others, both in uniform and now through his love of dogs. His name is Ryan.

Ryan’s Story

Ryan is a former British Army dog handler, where loyalty and trust in your canine were more than words; they were the difference between life and death. That bond never left him.

After leaving the Armed Forces, Ryan brought that passion home. He founded Ry’s Dog Training on the Isle of Wight, dedicating his time to helping people and their dogs build the same kind of connection he had in service. Through patience, experience, and understanding, Ryan has earned a reputation not just as a trainer, but as someone who changes lives. For dogs and their owners alike.

One of his most inspiring contributions is Ry’s Big Socials, where he brings together dozens of dogs and their owners for group walks around the Isle of Wight. These meet-ups are as much about building a community as they are about exercise, creating a space where people and animals thrive together.

Even while living in constant pain, Ryan has continued to give back. Alongside his dog training work, he has been upskilling himself in matters of mental health, learning how to support those suffering with PTSD, depression, and other mental health challenges. His aim: to ensure that no one feels alone in their struggles.

Ryan now faces a personal challenge that threatens to turn the life he’s created for himself after the Armed Forces on it’s head. Due to life-changing injuries, he is in urgent need of treatment and rehabilitation to help him walk again. Without it, even the simplest tasks are becoming a daily struggle.

Yet despite his pain, Ryan keeps serving others. He still runs his socials, still supports the veteran and dog-owning community, still runs a full time business and supports his community every which way he can.

How You Can Help?

A fundraiser has been launched to support Ryan’s rehabilitation and help him walk again and continue supporting others. Every donation, no matter the size, will be appreciated.

Donate and share here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/zu7b6u-help-ryan-walk-again

A Call to Action

Veterans like Ryan embody resilience, service, and compassion. From serving as a military dog handler to building a thriving community through Ry’s Dog Training, to learning how to better support those struggling with mental ill health, his life has been about lifting others up. Now he needs us.

By supporting this fundraiser, you’re not just helping Ryan walk again. You’re standing by a veteran who has stood by his country, his community, and his beloved dogs.

On International Dog Day, let’s take inspiration from the loyalty of dogs. Let’s show Ryan the same support he has shown to so many others.