My name is Bernie and I am a RAAF veteran, serving as an Intensive Care Nursing Officer for 11 years. I discharged from the RAAF with PTSD in January 2020 and have since been working in the Mental Health and Neuroscience sector. I have seen first-hand, the value of Assistance Dogs in the management of individuals with PTSD and am throwing my support behind PTSD Dogs Australia for their annual Face-off.

Two years ago, I was completing a trauma-informed course with some colleagues along with Ange from PTSD Dogs Australia. During the course, I was triggered by some of the course content but all of the sudden, an Assistance Dog was at my side. The Assistance Dog didn’t know me but could sense that something was up. There was this immediate sense of calm that grounded me and enabled me to continue with the course. I am now preparing to receive an Assistance Dog in the near future as I know what they can do in supporting an individual with PTSD.

By signing up for the PTSD Dogs Australia Face-off Campaign for 2024, I am hoping that it will bring valuable funding to an incredible organisation. Not only will my daughters get a kick out of seeing their dad with a purple beard, but one of them will see their dad without a beard for the first time in her life if I reach my goal of $2,000.