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“I normally suffer from kicking my feet and punching in my sleep, but Lola jumps up on the bed and lays straight across my feet and puts her weight on them. It brings me back to the real world.”

“Having Lola is absolutely life changing.”

Paul and ‘Mollie’ (from Paul’s wife)

“A few weeks ago, it really hit me how much Paul has changed since having Mollie. Paul struggles significantly with service related PTSD, which unfortunately for our family (especially our two young boys) often results in Paul being short tempered and withdrawn - significantly more so when we are in public. It had reached the point that we simply didn't go out in public as a family because it would always end up being a miserable experience for everyone. However, a few weeks ago we took the boys to local botanical gardens for a ride on the steam train without a single problem. It was the best day we have had as a family - ever. Paul interacted with others and joined us on the train ride, which was something that I had not expected. With Mollie by his side he was a completely different person. Without Mollie I don't even think he would still be here. "

Mick and ‘Zac’

“The new member of the family has been a hit! Still lost for words. Zac is exactly what we needed. So much joy and excitement around this place in a time that calls for plenty of it. Previously I was dwelling on the negatives in our life, my illness, doctors’ appointments, and my wife’s battle with cancer. Zac has brought a positive focus into my life. My whole family loves Zac and he has brought laughter, joy and hope into our home. Thank you all the DCD team and all the boys training hard with the dogs. You are doing an amazing thing. Keep it up.”

Dave and ‘Winnie’

“I wish I could give higher than a 5 star rating for Defence Community Dogs. The whole process from my first contact with DCD, right through until graduation with my new dog Winnie, has been faultless and professional.

I will do whatever I can in my life to give back to Defence Community Dogs, because they have given me a gift that is changing my life for the better.”

Jess and ‘Bentley’

“Bentley has proven time and time again why I need him. When I’m sad, anxious, angry, or having bad dreams, he is always there. I’m so happy I have Bentley, he couldn’t be any more perfect. Once again thank you to everyone who was a part of training and sponsoring Bentley. I appreciate it more than I could ever express."

Murray and ‘Patrick’

“Patrick has helped with my anxiety and alerts by jumping on me - even if I don’t realise myself that I’m starting to get anxious. I’m going out a lot more and my mum commented that I’ve never home anymore! People have commented that I have a better attitude to life now and have been laughing a lot. Patrick and I went away for a couple of nights to Port Arthur, staying in a motel and walking Patrick all around the historic site. That was my first time away overnight as a holiday and now I’m thinking of travelling a bit more.”

Adam and ‘Charlie’

“Charlie is doing well and is loving family life. He gets lots of cuddles and loves all the kids. The difference Charlie has made to all our lives is astounding and he has greatly improved the quality of our family life. He absolutely loves our baby girl. Charlie has really improved the family bond - I can’t explain how much Charlie has bought us together as a family, we are now doing so many different things together. Going for daily walks, going to different parks, going to the beach. We used to just go to the shops to get food and that’s it.”

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