Battalion chips in for canine companion

A PROGRAM pairing trained assistance dogs with PTSD-affected service personnel, police and first responders is now one animal stronger thanks to a contribution from members of the Ex-22 Royal Victoria Regiment Association.

A cheque of $5000 was presented to Young Diggers Victoria by Ex-22 RVR members on Sunday at the Ballarat Ranger Military Museum, with the money enough to fund the training of one assistance dog.

Museum’s manager, retired Major Neil Leckie said the association wanted to sponsor a canine after seeing a similar group do so last year.

“The 8/7th Battalion 2 RVR Association last year found funds for a dog and one of the members of the 22nd Association is the president of that one,” he said.

“At our annual general meeting last year, we spoke to the boys and a whole heap of us gave money as individuals.

“We’ve all been soldiers for years and years and we know about the problems a lot of people have when they come back.

“If we can do something about it, that’s what we want to do.”

Between 13 and 15 dogs go through the YDV program each year with the non-profit annually managing about 26 animals pre-COVID.

Weekly training sessions are run in Melton, where YDV is based, and discussions are being had to hold one at the Ranger Barracks.

YDV director Carole Doyle said dogs can provide a calming presence that can’t be found anywhere else.

“They’re able to give unconditional love and support and they don’t ask anything but a pat, feed and walk,” she said.

“It’s a mate that takes you and has your back and that’s one of the things army guys know.

“If we have someone Ballarat-based that comes to training we’d try to pair them with the dog. If we can’t, we’ll get someone who’s open to sending the donors ongoing reports.”