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Allen, with Endal dutifully lying quietly beside him, attends the Portsmouth remembrance ceremony.
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RECENTLY Allen Parton and canine partner Endal went to
Discover Dogs at Earls Court at the invitation of the Kennel Club.
Allen said "The club has been so supporting of this partnership and it really is such a boost to one's self esteem to be considered worthy enough to be asked to attend, though I guess it is the good-looking Labrador they really want to see!"
"On the Sunday we were due to attend there again, but instead, attending my local Portsmouth Remembrance Day took precedence.
"The weekend was quite an emotional rollercoaster with the 'remembrance' aspect, especially for the families. Mine is no exception and what they have been through was all brought back so vividly. We have achieved so much since the Gulf War in 1991, but the road has not been easy and many tears have been shed on the way.
"I think it is the realisation of what we all could have lost that hits home with full force and it is then that we realise that every so often we, as a family, need to support each other. The importance of my attending such days of remembrance is all very much caught up in that emotion and being needed by loved ones. When I was in the Navy my family always took second place through circumstances beyond my control, but no longer is that the case," Allen said.
