Life Is Worth Living Now
After spending 15 years in the Women’s Royal Army Corp and a fur ther 18 years in HM Prison Ser vice, I found myself in a dark place and unable to talk about the things I had witnessed over those years,” says Julia Calder.
“I was depressed and suffering debilitating bouts of anxiety and panic attacks. I lost focus on my life and my family, and didn’t see any future. I made several serious suicide attempts and was admitted to a psychiatric unit where I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“My life changed when I read about Veterans With Dogs (VWD), a charity which trains and provides assistance dogs for current and former members of the British Armed Forces with ser vice-related mental health conditions.
“Encouraged by my partner, Terry, I made contact with them and after meeting the VWD team and hearing about the dogs at an introduction day in Devon, I realised that a dog was exactly what I needed.
“In Januar y 2018 I met Leo, a beautiful, bouncy golden retriever. Now, with him by my side, I’m able to leave my home go into shops, banks and even cafes by myself, and can be safe with him if I’m alone at home. Leo reminds me when my medication is due; I’m currently also teaching him to open the drawer where it’s kept. If I ever drop his lead, Leo will immediately pick it up and hand it back to me.
“He wakes me from my nightmares, staying close and reassuring me that I’m safe. He can even sense when I’m stressed, backing himself into me so I can stroke his back to calm myself; this is something Leo has taught himself.
“Leo and I have an amazing trainer, Hannah, who we meet regularly. It is down to Hannah and the VWD team that Leo and I are now preparing for our final of three assessments, whereby Leo will become a fully qualified assistance dog.
“Life is wor th living now – and it’s all thanks to Leo and the fantastic family at VWD.”
To get in touch with Veterans With Dogs, call 01626 798030 or email info@veteranswithdogs.org.uk. Visit their website at www.veteranswithdogs.org.uk