NEWS From battlefields to doggy daycare

IF YOU ever wondered what dog heaven looks like, it’s a 13ha purpose-built farm.

Here, five days a week, a busload of dogs arrive to live out the best day of their lives.

They tear up hills, herd balls, dive into dams, chase giant bubbles and tackle agility courses at Australia’s most distinctive doggy daycare.

And behind this canine utopia is a former elite military serviceman who credits the dogs and farm for saving his life.

Luke Evans and his wife Sam created Doggy Daycare Farm Trips three years ago.

For Luke, who’d spent 11 years in the navy as a clearance diver and special forces operator, it has also been a form of therapy.

The now 37-year-old left home at 19 to join the navy and completed three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan before retiring.

“I was part of a specialised team that would be sent into a hostage situation after negotiations either failed or broke down to neutralise the terrorists in order to save the lives of the hostages,” he told the Sunday Territorian.

“I was definitely at the pointy end of the military where you’re trained for action.”

Retiring with multiple injuries, like many veterans, his transition to civilian life was tough.

“I struggled day to day making connections with people, I didn’t feel like I could relate to anyone outside the military. But I soon realised I never had that problem with dogs” he said.

“I just thought I need to do something with dogs, I wanted to be my own boss and just be free with these guys in the open environment, that was my happy place.”

Luke became an Alpha Canine Dog Trainer and handler, and with Sam, began a dog walking and behaviour business that grew into the farm. “I can’t really describe it, I’ve always been able to connect with dogs. I feed off their energy, when they’re excited and happy, I feel excited and happy, I can be in the moment,” he said

“The only reason I’m here today is because of the dogs. The dogs saved my life.”

Sam and Luke designed the farm not only for their family of two young daughters and three motley dogs, but as a place where dogs could experience “what they would want for their most ideal day”. The Farm, as Luke calls it, isn’t like other dog day cares, and not every dog is right for the farm either. He runs a pack of 30-40 dogs at a time (including boarders who stay with the family) through a day of intense activities where they build social skills, agility and confidence.

“We’re very intense here and as they all come regularly, they learn to focus on the right thing, while being as happy and free as they can be in a way that’s healthy,” he said.

“It’s important for dogs to just let their hair down and be dogs, and be in a natural environment where they can let loose and not be restricted by being on a lead and walking on a concrete footpath, where they’re not allowed to go up and say hello to different dogs in the street.

“Here they’ve got the ultimate freedom while learning to behave appropriately.”