To celebrate National Pet Day (11 April), we spoke to RAF service personnel past and present about the difference pets have made to their lives.
Ben and Annie
Ben Lord, a Survival Equipment Technician at RAF Coningsby, whose dog Annie has been his constant companion since he got her as an eight-week-old puppy.
Ben got black labrador Annie just before COVID in 2019. Now six-years-old, Annie has been his constant companion ever since. It was around the time that Ben got Annie that he applied to join the RAF. He joined in 2021 and luckily Annie was able to join him.
“Since joining, Annie has always been with me – she really helps boost the morale around the team and the pilots. My colleagues love her,” said Ben.
When he’s not working, Ben and Annie enjoy lots of walks in the woods and fields around RAF Coningsby, as well as trips to the beach at Skegness, where Annie has become a dab hand at paddleboarding.
“She actually comes on to the paddleboard with me and we go up and down the rivers here – she loves it,” said Ben.
Ben finds that having Annie around is really good for his mental health, especially while serving and living on camp, away from home comforts.
“The mental health side of having a dog is really beneficial. Like a lot of people I work with, especially when living on camp, it’s so easy to finish work and just sit at the block and do nothing.
“But she gets me out doing things. Even when I just fancy a night in, she’s there next to me and it’s just company.”
Ben also feels that Annie acts as an icebreaker when it comes to meeting new people, and she’s always ready to welcome new staff when they join the team.
“Having a dog kind of breaks down the barrier when you’re meeting new people, because everyone wants to say hello to Annie,” said Ben.
Ben and Annie.
Ben and Annie.
Andy and Toyah
Meet Andy, and his beloved long-haired German Shepherd, Toyah, who signed up for the RAF following in his grandfather’s footsteps who served during WWII.
After basic training at Swinderby, and RAF Shawbury, his first post was at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland in 1991. During Andy’s absence from home in Northern Ireland, he became worried about Toyah, and so, after a few years he decided that Toyah would return with him to Lossiemouth.
Upon arrival, Toyah soon settled into accommodation block life. Most fellow airmen were more than happy with their new furry house mate, although a few were wary at first. After all, Toyah did resemble a cross between a long pile rug and Chewbacca.
Andy was hesitant to take Toyah over to his workplace in the air traffic control tower, so he decided to have a wander over with her on a day off, which paid off in his favour! Toyah’s charm won everyone over, including the SATCO who insisted she came back regularly. She quickly became part of the furniture, with visiting air crews also impressed by the air traffic ‘wookie’, with treats flowing.
After a few months, Toyah returned to her County Antrim home and lived to the grand old age of 17.
“The difference a dog makes cannot be underestimated. Toyah brought a taste of home and normality to RAF Lossiemouth. She settled into air traffic control as if she was the latest radar console and made everyone’s day that little bit better.” Andy says.
Andy and Toyah.
Kay and Elli
Kay joined the RAF in October 1983, as a Data Analyst, before being subsumed into the Personnel Administrative trade in 1997, where she stayed until April 2007.
Returning from a detachment to the Falkland Islands, which was the only place her trade used to be sent to, 1993 seemed a good time to bring a dog into her life, and so along came Elli.
“I had often suffered with depression, but ‘pets as therapy’ was not really acknowledge back then. Elli often came to work at the various units I was posted too. She not only helped me to get through my days but would often have other staff visit the office for cuddles or a fuss. I am totally convinced she helped me to cope and was there for my colleagues too. Elli was with me for the rest of my RAF service, and I don’t think I could have done it without her.” Kay said.
Having retired from a further career in another public service, Kay has also been supported by her current westie, Skye.
“They really are life changers and superb support.”
West Highland Terrier Elli.
