It was the pawfect night for six rescue dogs who graduated as service pooches at a dedicated ceremony - with one finding its forever home in Dorset. 

The super six assistance dogs have now formed life-changing partnerships with veterans from the armed forces and emergency services who have a clinical diagnosis of post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

One of the animals - Patch, aged five - has been matched with Bridport man Bill Duthie-Jones and had been transferred into the care of the Dogs Trust Salisbury charity.

The Service Dogs UK event took place in Leatherhead, Surrey, on November 26 and was run by the animal charity, which helps rehome assistance dogs. 

Once adopted, the dogs go into the home of an experienced foster carer before beginning their journey with the veteran they are matched with.

This year’s successful graduates all came from two Dogs Trust rehoming centres in Salisbury, Wiltshire and Newbury in Berkshire. 

For up to 12 months, the veteran and their new dog work together to train and bond with the ultimate aim of successfully completing the programme to become a fully-fledged assistance dog partnership.

The dogs typically assist by waking their handler from nightmares, fetching medication, and interrupting anxiety attacks and depressive behaviours. 

Garry Botterill, founder of Service Dogs UK said: "“Our annual graduation event is always a highlight of the year where we celebrate the dedication of our team and our successful new partnerships.

"Dogs Trust has been with us from the start. We are proud and grateful to be working with them to give dogs from rescue the opportunity to reach their full potential."

Louise Crawford, animal welfare scheme coordinator at Dogs Trust, added: “It is heart-warming to see the transformation in both dogs and veterans as they start their new life together.

"It’s always an emotional night at the graduation dinner when these amazing dog teams are celebrated. Service Dogs UK and Dogs Trust are truly saving lives together.”