An Australian Army veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) says he is proof assistance dogs can change lives.
Andrew Hall served nearly 27 years in uniform and retired with the rank of Warrant Officer.
The Melbourne-based veteran knows the debilitating impacts of PTSD, but his life improved dramatically 18 months ago when he received his assistance dog — a black labrador named Lola.
"PTSD is a strange little beast and it affects people in different ways," Mr Hall said.
"I can only really talk on what she [Lola] does for me and a lot of it's to do with grounding and keeping me in a safe place.
"She'll sense me in an unusual place and either jump on me and push me out or control me by having a chat, leaning on me.
Mr Hall and fellow army veteran Glenn Ferrarotto have just completed their latest mission for veterans by driving five assistance dogs almost 2,000 kilometres from Melbourne to Eucla near Western Australia's border with South Australia.
The long drive was due to logistical issues with WA's hard border, which meant the dogs were stuck interstate for several months.
The pair were met at the border by psychologist and former Royal Australian Air Force dog handler Georgia Bennie, who took the dogs the rest of the way to Perth.
She works with Dogs For Life, which will pair the animals with veterans in WA as part of a wider trial of about 30 veterans across Australia living with assistance dogs.
It takes up to two years to train assistance dogs before they are paired with a new owner.
While there is not yet much scientific evidence behind the program, Ms Bennie said she had seen the life-changing impacts the dogs had had on veterans.
"A lot of them [veterans] have got back into work, some have a huge desire to start volunteering after they've got their dog, some sleep better, some build better relationships with their families and want to help out in their communities a bit more," she said.
"Some learn to manage emotions a bit better and don't feel as stressed when they've got their partner in crime next to them. They can engage more and feel more empowered, and that's what our entire program is about — empowerment."
The trial comes as the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide continues with hearings in Sydney this week, with more than 1,200 written submissions from individuals and organisations already received.
The royal commission is set to release an interim report by August 11, which will focus on issues requiring urgent or immediate action.
