Dogs in Service
RescuedHeroes
The successful placement of PTSD dogs can be life-changing for those who suffer from this debilitating condition. These highly trained and specialized dogs provide emotional support and comfort to individuals with PTSD, helping them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The process of placing a PTSD dog involves matching the right dog with the right person, based on their unique needs and personality. The dog undergoes rigorous training to become a certified PTSD service dog, which includes learning how to recognize and respond to specific triggers and symptoms, as well as providing physical support when needed.
Once a PTSD dog is placed with their new owner, the benefits can be profound. The dog provides a sense of security and companionship, which can help alleviate feelings of isolation and anxiety. They can also assist with tasks such as waking their owner from nightmares or reminding them to take medication, helping to create a sense of routine and stability.
Success Stories
Successful placement of our rescued heroes is life-changing for those who suffer from PTSD
Meet just a few of our past graduates
Archie
- Cavoodle
Originally trained as an assistance dog for a retired police officer, Archie was deemed a little on the small side, and was repurposed as our ambassador. He visits emergency workers and retirement homes to spread comfort and the word about what we do.
Army Veteran
Blaze
- Australian Shepherd
When a local breeder heard about our work, they decided to donate this amazing boy to be trained as an assistance dog for some lucky veteran. Being an Australian Shepherd, Blaze is full of energy and is super keen to work hard for his handler.
“Team Blaze went to see Collingwood’s Grand final cup. It’s doing an Australian tour.
Heaps of people turned up, and l handled it.
Blaze gave me the confidence even to give it a go. Before Blaze, no way would I have even thought of going. But his effect has changed my life, in the past, I wouldn’t go, so family doesn’t go, so everyone misses out on great opportunities.
How times have changed. Blaze and the entire Pack, my family thanks you.”
Navy Veteran
Henry
- Labrador
A gorgeous Labrador from Taree, Henry completed his training program and is now living his life as a loving companion and a loyal assistance dog for an army veteran in Coffs Harbour NSW, helping his owner to overcome the impact of PTSD.
“From the moment we met it was a success story in the making!
Yellow lab Henry has changed my world forever and afforded me, to do things I couldn’t do before he came into my life!
Today life is so much easier to live, I find more and more of the enjoyment that I had been missing so much.”
Army Veteran
Lexi
- Mixed Breed
Abandoned at a very early age, Lexi began training at 10 weeks old. Intelligent and intuitive, Lexi has been a star pupil from the start of the program, and she has fast become one of the most empathetic dogs in the PTSD Dogs Australia team.
Legend
- Labrador
After our tremendous success with BJ and Henry, the breeder donated another pup from the last litter she was breeding—and so the Legend began. Still only a pup, he can be a bit of a goofball, but he’s smart, affectionate, and eager to learn.
“Never did I think 12 months on, I’d be so happy, content, building a new home full of amazing things… 12 months is a long time but if you embrace the journey, trust your dog and give some of that worry to him, anything is possible. When we met Angie Weeks, I was edgy, angry and how little love I had, how things have changed… my family and my partner are my everything and we were given an amazing choccy lab named Legend thanks to this amazing pack.”
Air Force Veteran
BJ
- Labrador
As a rambunctious 1-year-old, BJ the Labrador came to us from Sydney NSW and has learned fast to become one of our star pupils. Full of life and youthful exuberance, he has one aim: to be the supporting paw for his human partner.
“BJ the wonder dog has saved my life and that of my family. With him by side or on my lap I have attended my youngest child’s first swim class, my middle child’s footy games and actually been present not in the car. My daughter and I shop together instead of her shoping for groceries alone. My wife sleeps better as BJ wakes me from my nightmares and she can now go to work knowing I am never alone”
Police Veteran
Buddy
- Border Collie
Buddy the Border Collie is an invaluable assistant to his young veteran handler and goes everywhere with him. His quiet nature suits his role, and he’s quick to let his handler know when he’s overdoing things and needs to take a rest.
“Because Buddy helps me with all my problems I am now a lot calmer, not as angry and less reactive. I now have 2 of my girls living with me permanently and I get to see the others regularly. I have also started lawn bowls which allows me to get out and meet more people. None of this would have been possible without Buddy and the support of PTSD Dogs Australia.”
Army Veteran
Rosie
- Labradoodle
Rosie the Labradoodle has been trained to give both mental and physical assistance. She alerts her handler when he’s about to have a seizure, and helps with the shopping by getting cans of food from the bottom shelf of the supermarket.
“You never walk alone when you have a trained PTSD Assistance Dog by your side. PTSD Assistance Dogs are gentle, intuitive and full of unconditional love.”
Air Force Veteran
Arlo
- Groodle
An 18month old rescue groodle cross brought into the PTSD Dogs family as an adolescent. Arlo is a very willing worker for both food and a game. He will also let his trainer know if he is bored with what’s happening. Very laid back and chilled.
“The unwavering constant support and loyalty that Mr. Arlo offers is second to none. Its amazing how he changes my entire mood and outlook and brings me back to the here and now.”
Air Force Veteran
Team Blaze: A Life Reclaimed
When Shaun first applied to the PTSD Dogs Australia program in April 2022, life had grown very small.
After 27 years as a Naval Clearance Diver and Chief Petty Officer, Shaun was living with multiple physical injuries and significant mental health challenges. Everyday tasks felt overwhelming. Leaving the house, attending his children’s school events, catching up with mates, or even sitting in a café with his wife were no longer simple moments—they were goals that felt a long way out of reach.
Isolation had quietly taken hold.
That began to change in September 2022 with the arrival of Blaze.
Training commenced, followed by in‑home placement in November. By Christmas, Blaze had already become part of the family—settling seamlessly alongside other pets and intuitively responding to Shaun’s needs. Blaze learned to wake Shaun during night terrors and instinctively come close when loud noises or sudden movements caused distress. In moments when Shaun felt startled or overwhelmed, Blaze was there—steady, calm, and present.
In June 2023, Team Blaze graduated with Public Access Certification, marking not just a milestone, but the beginning of a return to life.
Over the months and years that followed, the changes were profound.
Shaun attended his son’s last day of school—something he had once promised himself after missing a Year 12 graduation. He began travelling again, flying interstate multiple times to reconnect with family. He attended AFL games, fundraisers with thousands of people, lunches with live music, and community events. He spoke publicly at Maroochy RSL about how Blaze had changed not only his life, but the life of his entire family.
What many might consider ordinary moments—grocery shopping, school events, weddings, birthdays, even funerals—became extraordinary victories. With Blaze by his side, Shaun could show up. Fully present. Fully supported.
In 2024 and 2025, Team Blaze continued to thrive. Blaze demonstrated exceptional focus in high‑distraction environments like packed stadiums and busy supermarkets. Together, they helped move PTSD Dogs Australia HQ to its new home in Cooroibah, attended High Tea for the Hounds with over 150 guests, and travelled from the Sunshine Coast to Townsville—caravan in tow.
Blaze also found time for the important things: swimming at home and the beach, giving excellent “looks,” and loving his bed.
Shaun describes finding a deep sense of belonging with “the Pack” at PTSD Dogs Australia—a connection that replaced years of emotional isolation with genuine community.
“Blaze hasn’t just changed my life,” Shaun says. “He’s given me my life back.”
Team Blaze is living proof that with the right support, patience, and continued training, life can open up again—one step, one outing, one moment at a time.
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PTSD Dogs Australia Ltd is a registered charity, fully approved by the Australian Charities & Not for Profit Commission. All donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible, as approved by the Australian Tax Office. Your generous donations are invested directly to the training and supplying of service dogs.