Local charity PTSD Dogs Australia, based in Tewantin, put the call out last week for dog lovers to come forward to foster dogs who are in training to become Assistance Dogs to support First Responders and Defence Force Veterans, suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD Dogs Australia founder and CEO Angie Weeks said that “their organisation has had amazing success helping PTSD sufferers find relief and support through the company of a trained Assistance dog, however at the moment, they can’t keep up with the demand.”
Since the charity began in 2018, 13 former service personnel who have faithfully served our community, have received Assistance Dogs, at no cost, and eight rescue dogs have been rehomed in the process.
Ms Weeks said there are currently 171 people on their waiting list for a trained support dog.
“We need help from dog lovers in the Community to help us raise more pups and get the training process started,” she said.
The work PTSD Dogs Australia is doing is not only providing a better life for dogs who have been displaced, it’s also making a world of difference for people who are battling the very real and debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.
A properly trained Assistance dog can improve the quality of life for someone suffering from PTSD enormously, making it easier for them to go out in public, and make dealing with stressful situations far easier.
Their Information Session held at The Noosa Boardroom last week, was very well attended, but they are always interested in hearing from others that may be interested in providing a foster home for an Assistance Dog in training.
If there are any individuals or families in the area who would love to welcome a dog into their home for the duration of their training, then visit the website for more information, and to register your interest.
Visit ptsddogs.org.au/foster and fill in the expression of interest form.
