Veteran, 74, Has Walked Dogs Of Elderly And Ill People Every Day For 13 Years

Not all heroes wear capes - some walk dogs.

Like John Howarth, for instance, who has walked the dogs of elderly and ill people in his community every day for 13 years.

Ginny Howarth

The 74-year-old, who served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, does this because he 'really loves dogs', and he knows they can make fantastic companions - even for people who are too infirm to give them the exercise they need.

He carries out this noble duty as a volunteer for The Cinnamon Trust, a national charity for 'the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets'.

In recognition of his work, the charity recently honoured John with a long service award.

Speaking to LADbible, John, from Somerset, said: "For some people who live alone, having someone to walk their dogs means the dog gets exercise, and they get contact from someone on a regular basis.

"Some volunteers for the trust don't walk dogs every day, but I do as I hate to think of the dog expecting a walk and them being disappointed. Mostly the dogs are oldish too, so a half hour walk is sufficient.

"All people seem to be grateful for my help, some don't see anyone else for the whole day - the dogs are always pleased to see me, and I am happy to see them."

Ginny Howarth

John's role hasn't been all smiles and strokes, though. On one occasion, a large greyhound belonging to an old woman with spinal cancer pulled him over while darting after a cat, causing him to cut his face and smash his glasses.

Over his years of unwavering commitment he has also experienced a lot of loss, with many dogs and their owners passing away.

As such, he has had to attend numerous funerals, and he even found one man dead in his chair.

But while these experiences have been painful, John knows his service is invaluable - and his dedication has made his family proud.

His wife of 42 years, Ginny, told LADbible: "He is a very kind man, and really loves dogs, and that is his motivation for 14 years service to The Cinnamon Trust.

"I am very proud of him, as are our two daughters."

Ginny Howarth

Gong forward, John - who had a hip replacement more than 10 years ago - plans to keep on walking for the frail and their dogs for as long as he can.

He said: "I intend to carry on for as long as I am able, which will hopefully be for some time yet."

Good on ya John.

Topics: Dog, Awesome, Daily Ladness, Community, Dogs

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey