Sadie the Belgian Malinois accidentally helps Tim Lindley navigate his PTSD

It came as a surprise for a Townsville family who opened their home to not only man’s best friend but a saving grace.

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IT came as a surprise for a Townsville family who opened their home to not only man’s best friend but a saving grace.

Tim Lindley and his wife Kristy Lindley adopted two-year-old Belgian Malinois Sadie six months ago.

Mr Lindley adopted Sadie as a protection dog to keep his wife and two young children safe in their home.

He said Sadie had become much more than a guard dog.

“We wanted a dog that was smart, loyal and focused and for her to be very well trained and a protective dog,” he said.

“Sadie has completely changed my family’s life and my wife has felt a lot safer just by having her around and she will snuggle up with the girls.”

Mr Lindley and Sadie train six days a week going through obedience classes and protection technique training.

As a former army recruit of 12 years, Mr Lindley said their training had also helped him mentally.

“I have PTSD that is hyper vigilant and I am always anxious and alert but I didn’t think much of it. I thought I was normal,” he said.

“About 12 months ago that really came out but since I have been with Sadie, I am so much more relaxed because we work together.”

Apart from being a protection dog Sadie loves to swim in the ocean and play catch.

Mr Lindley hopes to expand Sadie’s training this year and also teach his pooch to be a tracking dog and drug detection dog.

Originally published as Sadie the Belgian Malinois accidentally helps Tim Lindley navigate his PTSD