I have suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, depression and anxiety since childhood. The symptoms are debilitating keeping me housebound and unable to enjoy life. I always felt too afraid to go out. The only time I felt more comfortable was when I was spending my time working with animals.

I had trained racehorses and Sniffer dogs for many years and found that the companionship they gave me helped me gain confidence and gave me much pleasure. I always knew that if I could have a dog to accompany me in my daily activities that I would be more able to function, even to enjoy my life.

After many years living virtually as a recluse, I saw a program on TV about Assistance Dogs. Dogs who accompanied their handlers to shops, on public transport and generally assisting them through their daily lives. This is what I wanted. I had a goal to work towards, no matter what hoops and hurdles I had to jump through. I was on a mission.

I went on the Internet and did some research and found agencies in both Queensland and N.S.W. that supplied these dogs to people who fitted the criteria. There was nothing offering here in S.A. except private accreditation through the Dog and Cat Management Board. This suited me as I already had a dog of my own whom I felt would be suitable. This I followed up, and although the criteria was complex, as a dog trainer, I felt it had possibilities for me, although I realized that the process was not going to be straightforward.

I had a two year old Weimaraner female called Poppy. Poppy has a wonderful temperament and is very relaxed around people and accepting of other dogs, so I decided to start the process of having her accredited.

Assessment Criteria for Disability Dogs.

Any person wishing to apply for disability dog accreditation must prove to the Dog and Cat Management Board of South Australia that they cannot carry out functions as an able bodied person without the aid of a dog. For example, the dog picks up dropped items, empties washing machines, and gives warning when smoke alarms sound. These are obviously physical disabilities, mine are psychological and emotional. But none the less debilitating.

After much searching for medical records, getting assessments from doctors and psychiatrists I eventually got all my own personal paperwork together. Then, on to Poppy's training.