Program gives PTSD sufferers a new leash of life

A new national charity based on the Sunshine Coast is gifting specially-trained 'PTSD dogs' to people living with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Andrew Harris and Roger Weeks at Riba Kai with rescued dogs that they train to assist those affected by PTSD. Picture: John McCutcheon

A NEW national charity based on the Sunshine Coast is gifting specially-trained "PTSD dogs" to people living with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The unwanted or displaced dogs are rescued from animal shelters and given to men and women who have served or are serving in the defence forces and emergency services.

"It's taking off quite fast - it's a little bit scary actually," volunteer fundraising coordinator Andrew Harris said.

"From just two peoples' dream, to be a national based charity looking after the dogs, and gifting the dogs to a person who has PTSD."

Like himself and his wife, he said, people in the community instantly "fall in love" with the concept.

"We're rescuing dogs who rescue humans," he said.

The relationship between dog and its handler builds on a culture of mateship familiar to veterans and first responders, and the animals provide support targeted to the individual.

"We find people who have suffered in the line of duty, and we match a dog to them," he said.

PTSD Dogs Australia was founded 14 months by Coast couple Angie and Roger Weeks.

Mr Weeks is a veteran who suffers from PTSD, and whom Mr Harris and his wife Jannette met by chance at Eumundi Markets.

"We got talking and just fell in love with the concept," he said.

Mr Weeks' spine was injured in service and his dog is trained to pick up items for him.

"Roger has a fused spine, he has issues bending over," Mr Harris said.

"So besides being Roger's 24-hour companion, Rosie (his dog) will pick up his wallet, his phone.

"He went to the supermarket the other day and dropped a cake of soap, and she picked it up for him."

Other dogs are trained to do decompression therapy, so when their handler has a night tremor they will "hop up on the bed" and lie on their chest for comfort.

The dogs play the role of a "barrier" to the public if their handler becomes stressed.

"If the handler gets stress, they put a barrier between the handler and the public," Mr Harris said.

Mr Harris is organising an inaugural fundraiser for PTSD Dogs at Riba Kai café at The Concept, Newspaper Place, Maroochydore.

The event on September 14 is $75 per ticket, including Italian-style canapes, two glasses of wine, live music, raffles and a lucky door prize.

PTSD Dogs has dog trainers on the Coast, Melbourne and Perth, and so far have trained 16 dogs. The program is expensive and relies on the support of the community.

Find out more at ptsddogs.co.

Originally published as Program gives PTSD sufferers a new leash of life