The dogs that bring hope

The dogs that bring hope

From People Fixing the World by BBC World Service

May 26, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

The episode explores how rescued street dogs in Uganda help trauma survivors find comfort and healing.

Rescued street dogs in Uganda help survivors find comfort, healing and renewed hope. Northern Uganda was torn apart by a violent insurgency led by the Lords Resistance Army some twenty years ago. Kidnapping, rape and mutilation were commonplace. Many thousands of people were left with physical and emotional scars as a result. But one organisation is helping to bring comfort to those who have suffered using the healing power of dogs. Myra Anubi visits the Comfort Dog project where street dogs are retrained to become companions to those who have suffered terrible trauma. It’s led by psychologist Francis Okello Oloya who himself was blinded as a result of the war. The powerful connection between humans and their pets is having a remarkable effect on people’s well being. And the street dogs themselves are now cared for by new owners which is helping to change the perception of animals who are often mistreated. People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We release a new edition every Tuesday. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or…

People in this episode

Host: Myra Anubi

Topics covered

  • animal therapy
  • trauma recovery
  • community support
  • mental health
  • dog rescue

Keywords

  • dogs
  • Uganda
  • trauma
  • healing
  • Comfort Dog project
  • Francis Okello Oloya
  • mental health
  • animal therapy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Comfort Dog project, BBC

Places: Uganda

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