Stray dogs from Afghanistan help Plymouth servicemen deal with combat stress

Nowzad Dogs charity founder Pen Farthing rescued his dog, Nowzad, while serving with the Royal Marines

Stray dogs from Afghanistan have been brought back to the UK to help military personnel deal with combat stress.

The Nowzad Dogs charity, which rescues abandoned dogs in Afghanistan, is helping more than 600 servicemen overcome the trauma of serving in war.

The dogs are used for fighting in Afghanistan and can suffer horrendous brutality from their keepers.

Men from Plymouth's 42 Commando say they have found solace after befriending the dogs.

Nowzad Dogs owns the first and only official dog shelter for stray dogs in Afghanistan based near Kabul

Royal Marine sergeant and founder of Nowzad Dogs, Pen Farthing, said: "When you're on the ground you're part of a bigger picture that you don't always get to see when you're in the thick of warfare.

"In the downtime looking after an innocent animal is a positive action and you can see how you're helping.

"It's very important for the men suffering with combat stress to have that companionship."

Rescuing a stay dog in Afghanistan coats between £3,500 and £4,000