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The power of a Therapy Dog.
Imagine having nightmares almost every night or finding it difficult to leave the house by yourself, run errands and socialise because of the trauma you’ve experienced? This was the reality for Rachel, until she was matched with her Therapy Dog, Keanu.
The journey to getting a Therapy Dog is one that takes patience and perseverance. For Rachel, the wait was worth it.
Rachel has PTSD, and with that comes nightmares almost every night. Some nights, she couldn’t bear to sleep with the lights off. When Rachel spoke to a friend who had a Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Therapy Dog, she thought she would give it a try.
“I needed an affectionate dog that wasn’t easily distracted because I live in a busy city area where there are a lot of other dogs,” said Rachel. “I thought I was going to be waiting a while, but it all happened so quickly. Keanu seemed to be meant for me.”
Within seven weeks of being assessed and eligible for a Therapy Dog, Rachel received her match. When she was matched with her Therapy Dog Keanu, her life changed for the better.
Rachel was apprehensive at first about just how much a Therapy Dog could help her with her anxiety and PTSD. She didn’t expect all the little things Keanu would support her with, like her confidence and adaptability, let alone her nightmares and anxiety.
“I have PTSD and have nightmares all the time. Since being matched with Keanu, I have only had one nightmare within a month of having him,” Rachel says.
Before Keanu entered her life, Rachel used to stick to a strict routine and would only leave the house with her Support Workers. Now, she gets her morning coffee whenever she wants, hangs out with her friends and goes to her appointments by herself.
“My Support Workers used to come five to six times per week, but since I’ve gotten Keanu, they are down to two or three times per week. I have a lot more confidence to go out and do things by myself,” says Rachel. Keanu is now Rachel’s “little shadow” and comes with her wherever she goes. “He comes along to my therapy sessions and he does so well.”
Rachel and Keanu have learned to walk together and are continually practicing commands and recall skills. The positive impact Keanu has had on Rachel is incredible, as he provides her with comfort, companionship and emotional support.
Upon reflection, what’s helped Rachel the most is the reassurance she incidentally gives herself when caring for Keanu. Since Keanu is very attached to Rachel, he needs reassurance that they are both safe and together. When Rachel verbalises this out loud to Keanu, she also confirms her safety and stability in her own mind.
“First, I had to go and save my own life. I had to get well to make sure I could care for him, as he takes care of me,” Rachel explains. “Now when I’m telling him, ‘we are okay’, I’m also incidentally reassuring myself. It’s an unexplainable feeling knowing I can feel that way.”
With 86 Therapy Dogs matched with their new Handlers last year, it’s great to understand the powerful impact they have on our Clients to allow them to live life their way.
