Page 22 - Chiron 2024

Veterans day at
the races with MWD Kelso!
by LCpl Joshua Arden
Veterans Day at Leicester Racecourse presented us at MARC (Military Working Dog Arrival and Rehoming Centre) with a great opportunity to promote the work we have been doing rehoming our Military Working Dog’s (MWDs). We also took this opportunity to acquire some new names for our database. To do this, we needed
to take a friendly MWD that was
up for rehome, as our advert to peak the interests of the people in attendance. Bar one dog, our books are currently inundated with larger bite trained MWDs. That one dog was our young Labrador, and star of the day, MWD Kelso!
Whilst Kelso is approachable, he can be cheeky and loves a cuddle, often jumping up at you to get
it. With his heavy paws, he even winded me a couple of times as I talked to race goers throughout the day. This didn’t exactly fill me with confidence as we were both thrust into the spotlight in a live interview
with Races TV! However, to my delight – he behaved. He charmed his way through the interview, selling him himself and our section nicely both on and off camera! To my surprise, he never tried to jump up at the presenter as she quizzed myself and the Commanding Officer about the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) and rehoming.
‘The Weatherbys Retire A Military Animal #DATR Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase’ kicked off the event and we were in attendance to watch. The opener itself was a
bit of a washout, given that it ended up being a one-horse race. Lord of Kerak (pictured) galloped and leaped
his way to victory, as his adversary, Marble Sands pulled out before
the race began. Regardless of this I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and Kelso had great day too, meeting and greeting people in attendance, proving he’s ready to go to a good home.
Being in uniform out in public doesn’t always run smooth, but I think we represented the Royal Army Veterinary Corps at the
races quite well. Vouchers for free food were provided by the event organisers which is always a win, but a few pints and a bet next time will be ideal when I’m in my civvies.
We’re happy to say Kelso has found a home, but there are more MWDs that still need one. If you have any friends or family members who are interested in re homing a retired MWD, get them to scan the QR code (pictured) and fill out our form. This will put them
straight on to our database and we can match them up with a suitable dog.
20 / Chiron Calling
MWD Kelso posing for the camera.
Image: Tony Knapton – knaptony@gmail.com
Lord of Kerak in the easiest win of his career. Image: Tony Knapton – knaptony@gmail.com