How rescued RSPCA dog has changed life of Griffin resident Helena, who is battling bipolar, in just six months

A CATTLE dog cross, rescued from the RSPCA and yet to complete its training, has changed the life of a woman battling bipolar.

Helena Sugars (griffin) has bipolar and relies on a trainee psychiatric service dig, called Hira. Hira has helped Helena get over the stigma of her condition and get out. Picture : Chris Higgins

HIRA, a cattle dog/wolf hound cross rescued from the RSPCA, has changed Helena Sugars’ life in just six months.

Although still being trained, Hira has “opened doors” which the Griffin resident “didn’t think possible”. And that is exactly her role.

Hira is a psychiatric service dog. She has been with Ms Sugars, 26, for six months, helping her live with Bipolar.

Ms Sugars was diagnosed in 2012 and has rapid cycling bipolar which has led to many hospital admissions.

Though still training, Hira is able to detect subtle changes in Ms Sugars’ body language or chemical balance.

“Hira is able to alert me to changes in my mood before I am aware. Little things which are so sensitive,” said Ms Sugars.

“She does this by nudging, or licking. If I am feeling down or anxious she will sit on me helping me feel grounded.

“She helps in overcoming anxiety in social situations, or not so social such as a visit to the shops. She’s doing really, really well.

“When it comes down to it, the bond we have is very special, extremely rare and unbreakable - it is a one-of-a-kind.

“She has opened doors for me that I didn’t think was possible. She is with me 24/7 and has changed my life.”

Hira’s training consists of one-on-one sessions with a trainer. So far this has been privately funded. Now she needs to pass the public access test and gain accreditation with mindDog.

Ms Sugars’ is hoping to raise $1500-$2000 - around a quarter of the overall cost - to cover Hira’s final lessons and accreditation.

Donations can be made at http://www.gofundme.com/vevq6y5m

Fact File

MindDogs was founded in 2001. At the time there was no other organisation offering psychiatric assistance dogs in Australia. 

It helps mental health sufferers to obtain, train and certify psychiatric service dogs. 

With mindDogs they are able to travel on public transport, access public places and take part in social activities which have been closed off to them.

There are currently 400 mind dogs in Australia.