Veteran Update
Taking on the challenges of PTSD as a Veteran, from forest floor to mountain summit
Greet: Gigi and her recipient Taryn
You’ll find her in the snow, inside a velodrome, hiking in a forest, walking in the sand dunes, resting atop a mountain or on base at the Australian Navy Offices in the ACT. She’s even spent time in prison.
Active and adventurous, Gigi is a Defence Community Dog. An Assistance Dog specifically trained to support the mental and physical needs of a Defence Force Veteran with PTSD; wherever she goes.
A rescue dog who lived with and was trained by an inmate at Bathurst Correctional facility for more than 250 hours, Gigi graduated as a highly trained Assistance Dog in 2021 and was paired with Veteran Dog Recipient Taryn. Taryn is a current serving Member of the Australian Navy who suffers from PTSD, including major depressive disorder and anxiety, and recently learnt that she is slowly losing her vision.
Defence Community Dogs is an independent program that provides, at no cost, highly trained Assistance Dogs to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, who need physical and emotional support for mood, depressive and anxiety disorders; including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The program is made possible by the Defence Bank Foundation - a registered independent charity which raises funds to pay for its sole beneficiary, the Defence Community Dogs Program. The Foundation extends Defence Bank’s purpose, of serving those who protect us, beyond simple banking.
In addition to performing basic commands, a Defence Community Dog can be further trained with complex commands, to perform tasks to meet additional needs specific to their recipients requirements.“ Gigi will perform a general stress interrupter, like nuzzling me to gain my attention if I am tapping my feet or rubbing my hands if I am triggered, but the team also taught her to do this for my specific stress response of picking at my fingers.”
“ The team also trained Gigi to let me know when there is a set of stairs or obstacles in our way. Gigi is always by my side! That is unless the hiking path is too thin, then she leads me by walking in front.” “ I am able to sleep better knowing I have Gigi with me, she will interrupt me if I have disturbed sleep or night terrors. Sleep is essential to my ability to keep active, and means that I can function better in life.”
“ Gigi helps me to navigate the world in a confident way. She helps me with my depth perception as my vision deteriorates. Gigi is my constant companion. Wherever I am and in whatever state I may be in.” “ My psychologist has noticed an increased ability to better manage my stress levels and I am less reactive to situations or people around me.”
“ If I become unsettled or distracted by my anxiety or stress, I know that Gigi will help to bring me back to the present. I know I have the support I need to be able to acknowledge and to sit with these uncomfortable feelings, to have a hug with Gigi, and reset. Knowing I’m supported and I’m not alone.”
“ Gigi gives me purpose and a reason to get up in the morning. Knowing that I have reciprocal care for my dog and a responsibility to feed and care for her, helps me take the focus off my needs.”
“ Having a dog requires you to physically exercise for them and for yourself. Getting into nature and throwing a ball at the park leads to social interactions with other dog owners. It takes you outside of yourself.”
Creating Community and Wellness in the Workplace
“Gigi is a conversation starter, in one way I didn’t want that attention beforehand, but now the focus is on Gigi, rather than on me.” “Since receiving Gigi, she has helped connect me back into my community. It's simple things like having a common topic of conversation. Being able to speak about Gigi has helped strengthen my relationships with friends and within my workplace.”
“Gigi cares for me, but she is also caring for the mental health needs of all those around me. My family, friends and colleagues. Whether it is a friend going through a rough time or a colleague having a high stress work day, I’ve watched Gigi interact with them, gives them her time and energy, and they relax and are better for it.”
“Gigi is my Assistance Dog, but she is quite literally my Defence Community Dog, improving my life and my Defence Force Community.”“ When I started to lose my vision, I became unable to see other Defence Force Member’s rank slides on their uniforms, and so I was unable to address them appropriately. I became hypervigilant and wouldn’t walk around base or go to get a coffee as I didn’t feel confident in these situations.”
“ Having Gigi alongside me is a visual cue to others that I have non-physically obvious disabilities that I am dealing with, that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to notice.” “ I am more comfortable speaking to people, particularly with the requirement of ranks and being able to show them respect in this way. I feel better accepted, and more confident in engaging with others.”
“ With Gigi by my side, I am able to be more present at work. I function better. I’m more productive. I’m more relaxed. I am reassured that I am safe because Gigi is looking out for me and she will let me know if I need something. I’ve always got my mate with me.”
“ Having a Defence Community Dog improves your personal mental and physical health needs, and helps to connect you with your people again, with a shared interest of an adorable, loving labrador.”
Challenging my perspectives to broaden my horizons“
My goal in life has been to help people do things that they didn’t think that they could do. Now that is what Gigi is doing for me.”
“ Our season opened with the National Track Masters Championships in May 2022, representing the Australian Defence National jersey), and competing in the individual time trial, individual sprint and the individual pursuit (achieving a PB of a whole second off for the time trial). “ Gigi is a Team Mascot at the weekly races during the season, and we will be heading to the Queensland and NSW State Championships with me later this year.”
“ In June 2022, I will be participating in the Simpson Desert Ultra in Birdsville walking 100km. Gigi will participate in sections of the event and I will have a guide with me for the remaining time”.“ Gigi and I will join the Women’s Navy Development Camp in mid July, and compete in a two week Tri-Service Cool Shot Biathlon (Skiing and Shooting) Competition in August at Mount Hotham. Our first time in the snow together.”
“ A major goal we’ve set out sights on for the future is the Masters Nationals and the World Championships in 2023 in Manchester.”
Managing my mindset and improving my mental and physical health outcomes“
On my computer at work, there is a quote. Set a goal you can’t achieve and turn into the person that can. Defence Community Dogs program has allowed me to redefine what it means for me to be well functioning, to regain my confidence, to improve my quality of life and to start goal setting for my future.”
“This program is a life changer. It takes you from a solitary place and assures you that you don’t have to go through it alone.”
“It started with receiving my Defence Community Dog Gigi, and already I have a whole community of friends, family, work colleagues, other Veteran Dog Recipients, a professional dog training team, and program support staff rallying for me, for my physical and mental health.”
“I am not in this alone, and I don’t have to do this alone. With Gigi by my side, I have already become the person that can achieve many of the things I once thought I couldn’t.”
“Thank you to Defence Bank Foundation for making the Defence Community Dog program possible. Without it, I wouldn’t be the person I have become. With an increased readiness for and quality of life.”
Defence Community Dogs is an independent program that provides, at no cost, highly trained Assistance Dogs to serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) Members, who need physical and emotional support for mood, depressive and anxiety disorders; including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The program is 100% reliant on the donations and support received through the Defence Bank Foundation.
ABN: 19 814 426 820.
You can give the life-changing gift of an Assistance Dog like Gigi - helping Veterans to rebuild - literally saving lives.