First veteran support dogs arrive at their new homes
A new Australian program is set to save the lives of veterans struggling after life in the army.
Redlands Coast
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HE spent years protecting our country but at the end of it Andrew Glebow realised he needed someone to protect him.
The Australian Army veteran and Shailer Park resident has post traumatic stress disorder after spending six years in the army but a new companion has given him the support he needs to march on through life after army.
Mr Glebow, 47, is one of the first veterans in the county to receive a support dog through the Federal Government’s Psychiatric Assistance Dogs program.
The former Alexandra Hills local said when he met labrador Leon he knew the dog was the right one for him.
“I got a good vibe from him straight away, so I know that we’re going to have a good relationship together,” said Mr Glebow, who joined the army in 1991 and spent time peacekeeping in Somalia.
“I’m really excited about him being a part of my life now.
“So from this point, having Leon as a part of my life is going to give me first and foremost
companionship.
“It’s going to ease my anxiety and my depression a lot having him around. And he already has.”
Mr Glebow is one of two veterans to receive the first dogs provided to veteran through the program.
The dogs were trained by Pomona-based training organisation Smart Pups.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the Government has listened to veterans, ex-service organisations and the wider ex-service community about the role psychiatric assistance dogs can play in improving the lives of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“This program will change lives and it will save lives, and I have no doubt Zuma and Leon will make a difference to their new owners and help them to manage their mental health and well-being,” Mr Chester said.
Since the program was announced in September 2019, there has been more than 130 requests
from veterans interested in adding an assistance dog to their treatment plan.
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