Shownotes Transcript
In this episode we conclude Vietnam Veteran, Bob Richards story chatting to him and daughter Hannah about Paws for Hope and understanding, their programs and his thoughts on "The veteran community hub" network of independent ex-services organisations.On his journey learning to manage his PTSD symptoms and developing his self-care plan Bob was paired with service dog "Lara" (retired). The training and commitment involved with his service dog gave him purpose. We'd recorded our chat via Zoom and at the conclusion of part 1 I could visually see that Bob had been triggered chatting about his experiences and on-cue "Ceasar and Lara" his current and retired service dogs came in and instantly calmed him down.Being paired with a service dog takes a commitment from the recipient a and genuine medical reason to be considered for any program including: recipient temperament test, proof of condition, specific tasks to be trained, successful matching of dog type to the recipient and their needs. Calling on his time as a recruit training instructor Bob & Hannah have developed a military-esque style to train the recipient and their service dog.. "Like this - do that!". The pair have to earn their stripes through modules of training before progressing to the next stage.In addition to their service dog program Paws for Hope have also created a personal recovery system that works "with or without" the service dog. Bob is passionate about the old saying "if you've walked the walk OR walked in my shoes" creating trust through shared stories, experiences and approaches that may help with their own self-care plan. Bob and Hannah are advocates for a fast growing term/model being accepted by independent ex-services organisations called "The (veterans & first responders) community hub." If a veteran or first responder doesn't associate with the larger more established organisations through stigma, bad experiences, not connecting, generational gap or mindsets etc they can still access support services, programs and activities.Paws for Hope is located 10min southwest of Brisbane, they have a growing community hub network that spans out to the Ipswich region and welcoming of those in need out of their local area, especially for their dogs and advocacy services.Contact - Bob Richards | 0412 747 526 | Hannah Richards | 0404 643 330Website: Paws for Hope and Understanding)Email: [email protected] - | Service Dog training & selection | Resolute Recovery | AdvocacyWho is it for? Veterans & First RespondersHelp Lines Open Arms (VVCS)) | Lifeline) | RedSix app)Music Credits - John Lynam "Took for granted" - WAR E.P)"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC
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