Life changing was the way recipients of PTSD Dogs Australia described the impact of their assistance dogs when they spoke to Noosa Today last Sunday at A Dog’s Life: Pet Expo, a major fundraiser for the organisation.
Twenty-seven years as a navy mine clearance diver took a toll on Shaun’s body, both physically and mentally.
For the past three years his wife Nicole and daughter Raquel have been Shaun’s support with his anxiety preventing him from going out to public or even to family events. Shaun and Blaze bonded immediately when they met at PTSD dogs and the three-year-old assistance dog has changed all their lives.
“We were living in Sydney and had family in Queensland and Melbourne. Travelling on a plane was really impossible, just the anxiety,“ Nicole said.
Certain triggers, such as a bag left unattended on the floor or being in a closed, crowded room would skyrocket Shaun’s anxiety levels.
“Now we’ve had one or two trips,“ Shaun said.
“Blaze knows when your heart rate comes up and he gives you a cuddle. He’s a distraction, you’re not thinking of other things. If I’m walking and my legs are hurting, he licks it. He’s a painkiller as well.“
Nicole said Blaze had also helped change their relationship, allowing them to go out together as husband and wife.
The family recently celebrated a major milestone when they attended an AFL game together, something that hadn’t been possible for a number of years.
“AFL is a big part of who we are as a family,“ Nicole said.
“Watching a game live was incredible.“
“It wasn’t as scary as I thought it was going to be,“ Shaun said.
“I could handle it.“
“We’re able to go out as a family, even socially,“ Nicole said.
“Instead of us being support, Blaze does that.“
In another milestone, having Blaze has also enabled Nicole to return to work.
Ben became aware of PTSD Dogs this year through his mental health journey and applied for a dog in January.
After screening and assessment by PTSD Dogs Australia founder Angie Weeks Ben visited the organisation’s Black Mountain centre where he met Arlo.
Angie said four-year-old Arlo had been fussy in finding a human companion and it wasn’t until Ben arrived that he made his selection.
Although he’d worked with pet dogs and working dogs in his life, Ben found working with an assistance dog was “a whole different world“.
“It’s given me a purpose. It’s something to look forward to. He’s already picking up on my moods and different things associated with my health,“ Ben said.
“I’ve got more confidence in doing things and going out. Things that were challenges are now do-able.“
Angie said Arlo was able to identify Ben’s anxiety and cortisol levels, which increase in times of stress and provide support.
Ben and Arlo are still in their training phase but Arlo is well on the way to making the move to become Ben’s permanent companion.
The pet expo attracted dog and pet-related stallholders and educational guest speakers as well as providing fun dog activities for many dogs in attendance and demonstrations of dog skills.
The day was a celebration of the special bond between humans and their furry companions – a relationship that can save lives, as Angie knows only too well.
“PTSD Dogs Australia rescue dogs and train them as psychiatric assistance dogs which are provided at no cost to veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD. Entry fees from the expo go directly towards training our dogs which is life changing and can even be life saving for someone with PTSD,” she said.
