A Bond Beyond Words: Archie & Cocoa Triumph at the 2025 Soldiering On Awards

Every year, the Soldiering On Awards shine a huge spotlight on the extraordinary endeavours, remarkable acts of service, and stunning achievements that define our Armed Forces community.

However, some stories don’t just illuminate a room, they ignite it. On 22 October 2025, at the 15th annual Soldiering On Awards, one such story took centre stage in the most unforgettable way.

This was the night of Archie Douglas and his remarkable Bravehound assistance dog, Cocoa. It also featured the kind of magical moment for which Soldiering On Awards are renowned – an entirely unexpected and emotional reunion! More on this later...

A Partnership Forged in Courage

The Animal Partnership Award, supported by Pets at Home, is one of the most emotionally charged categories of the evening. It celebrates relationships that reach far beyond companionship, connections that restore independence, strengthen resilience, and transform lives. Archie and Cocoa embody that spirit perfectly.

Archie Douglas, a former Major in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, received the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumour and given only three years to live back in 2013. He is a veteran whose journey has been shaped by unwavering determination, immense courage, and the sheer strength of will to go on. He found in Cocoa, not just a companion, but a lifeline. Trained by the extraordinary team at Bravehound, Cocoa has been at Archie’s side through challenges that many will never see, and triumphs that many will never forget. Together, they have forged a powerful partnership that radiates dignity, strength, and hope.

Cocoa is no ordinary assistance dog. With her keen instincts, calm presence, and steadfast loyalty, she supports Archie in a great many ways. She provides grounding during moments of heightened anxiety, interrupts nightmares, encourages confidence in unfamiliar environments, and above all, gives unconditional love without judgement.

Cocoa does not simply accompany Archie, she empowers him.

A Standing Ovation for Bravery, Loyalty and Love

When Archie and Cocoa’s names were announced as winners, the reaction was explosive. The room rose to its feet. Cheers, applause, and even a few happy tears echoed through the ballroom. This was not simply a celebration of a veteran and his assistance dog, it was a celebration of everything their partnership represents: healing, purpose, trust, and the unspoken promise that neither of them will walk alone.

The Soldiering On Awards are built on stories that inspire a nation. Archie and Cocoa’s victory stands out as one of those moments that continue to resonate long after the lights dim, and the red carpet is rolled away. Their win is a testament to the power of the human–animal bond, the transformational impact of assistance dogs, and the incredible strength of the Armed Forces community.

Famed for creating truly special memories, the awards also create moments of magic, even emotional reunions. For Archie, this came in the form of Richard Dening-Smitherman, Managing Director of Vets for Pets, part of category partner Pets at Home. The two were friends in XIX Platoon, Burma Company at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst but as Archie went on to the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and Richard to the Royal Tank Regiment, they hadn’t seen each other in 30 years. That was, until Richard was presenting Archie with his trophy! The two took very different paths post-service, but nevertheless, when they came together on 22nd October, the bonds forged in service remained.

Archie and Cocoa’s story remind us all that recovery is not a straight line. It is a path walked one step at a time, sometimes in silence, sometimes with struggle, but in Archie’s case, always with courage. For him, that path is made steadier, brighter, and safer with Cocoa beside him. This year’s Animal Partnership Award winners have shown the country what true partnership looks like. Not just support, but transformation. Not just a bond, but a lifeline.

Congratulations to Archie Douglas and the incomparable Cocoa, winners in their own right, but even stronger together.