Rescue dogs saving veterans
A year ago, RAAF veteran Ian Fletcher was in hospital considering ending his life when he saw a notice for Defence Community Dogs.
The former air force dog handler, who had grown up with cattle dogs in rural NSW, says he has trusted dogs with his life before, but meeting his labrador Twix made him want to live again.
'He changed my life, and saved my life,' said Fletcher who suffers from anxiety, PTSD and depression. 'It's a really hard journey, but I chose to do it,' he said.
And he wants other veterans who may be suffering like he was to know that there is help if they ask for it.
RAAF veteran Ian Fletcher with his support dog Twix who was trained by Defence Community Dogs. Picture: Supplied
Twix was originally bred as a guide dog then became a rescue and was scooped up by Defence Community Dogs who specifically train rescue dogs as support dogs for veterans.
'He gives me confidence out in the street because while I am concentrating on him, I'm not worrying about anything. He is trained to notice my anxiety and will put a paw on my foot and, like a big sponge, he absorbs my anxiety.'
'Twix has my back so I can keep looking forward,'
Defence Community Dogs provides highly trained assistance dogs, at no cost, to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, who need physical and emotional support.
It also gives rehomed and rescue dogs a second chance with professional training.
CEO Leanne Kyle said she likes to call the program a win, win, win.
'The dogs come from rescues and pounds and are often trained by inmates then go on to help sufferers of PTSD,' he said.
RAAF veteran Ian Fletcher with his support dog Twix who was trained by Defence Community Dogs. Picture: Supplied
Specially selected inmates are placed into the program at the Bathurst Correctional Centre in NSW as part of their rehabilitation and the responsibility is having a positive effect on their behaviour.
Each dog is allocated to an inmate and shares their cell and spends 24 hours a day with the dog.
'The inmates go out into the community with the dogs, into shops and the movies,' Ms Kyle said. 'People walk up to the inmates in the main street and shake their hands. People forget they are inmates.'
Bathurst RSL provides support by giving the inmates a chance to be part of the community. It also holds fundraisers in its coffee shop and during military commemorations.
Veterans can find out more by visiting www.dcdogs.com.au/apply.
Clubs NSW is a proud sponsor of the 2025 NSW Bush Summit.
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