If you love dogs and have some time to spare, local charity PTSD Dogs Australia, now based near Cooroy, would love to hear from you.
The organisation rescues dogs from pounds and shelters, trains them to become loyal and supportive assistance dogs veterans and first responders suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
They are desperately seeking foster dog educators to provide a home for their dogs while undergoing training.
The organisation will hold two information sessions on Thursday 5 May, from noon til 2pm, at the Cooroy Library, and Wednesday 11 May at Noosa Boardroom at Noosa Civic.
The suicide rate among veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD is alarming and the demand for PTSD assistance dogs is enormous.
PTSD Dogs Australia have been on the ground since 2018, rescuing dogs and are leading the way in training rescue dogs to become Psychiatric PTSD assistance dogs. By rescuing dogs that have already received good basic obedience training, they are able to reduce euthanasia rates and reduce greatly reduce the wait time for an assistance dog, which can be up to four years.
Receiving an assistance dog can be life-changing and in some cases, even life-saving.
Their assistance dogs are provided at no charge to their clients (handlers), plus, they provide lifetime support to each dog and their handler.
They currently need more foster dog educators to assist with caring for the dogs, and helping with basic training, until they are ready to be placed with a handler. Educators are required to attend at least one weekly public access training session.
PTSD Dogs Australia provide all the equipment needed to care for the dogs.
You don’t have to be an expert in dog training, just keen and willing to learn.
It’s also a great way to meet new people as the pack socialises a lot together too.
Please pre-register for the information session, using the application form online at ptsddogs.org.au/foster
