Eumundi Voice - Issue 103, 3 October 2024

COMMUNITY

Face-off to save lives

"You came into my life full of energy. You're my mate, my friend now my guardian. In the short time we’ve know each other you've made my life enjoyable. I can eat out with my partner, navigate the shops and live a normal life like so many others have. Tears well as I write about you because I don’t think you'll ever know just how much you have impacted my life. The joy, the security the constant eye over me." (A returned veteran’s words to his mate – a dog trained by PTSD Dogs Australia.)

Every 2 weeks a veteran commits suicide and every 4 weeks a first responder dies. Angie Weeks sought a therapy dog to assist husband Roger’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A dog costs $40,000 and 4 years to train to respond to the sufferer’s specific symptoms. This led to the establishment of PTSD Dogs Australia who have now rescued over 26 dogs from shelters and matched them with 26 humans who together are discovering new, meaningful lives.

The organisation donates 95% of funds into training and handling while 5% covers administrative services and running costs.

Despite winning the Veterans Employment Award in 2023, Australian CEO of the Year for Global Excellence in 2023, the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Partner Entrepreneur of 2023 and currently a finalist for this year’s Telstra Best of Business Qld Health Champions Award, fundraising is an ongoing project. There are currently several dogs in training which require food, vaccinations, foster care and working together with their new owner.

Notwithstanding the daunting cost and time involved, the transformative impact these dogs have for PTSD sufferers is immeasurable.

To celebrate World Mental Health Day a free “Face-off” event at Land and Sea Brewing Company, Noosaville will be held on 10 October at 6pm. Several volunteers will shave or colour heads and beards in exchange for monetary donations.

You can sign up to join in or come along to support. There will be music, raffles and the chance to meet dogs and humans who now find purpose in life. To participate visit: ptsddogs.org. au/face-off/or for free tickets t.ly/gn77r. Eileen Walder