Poppy pups a gift for veterans with PTS

Veterans will receive a helping hand when this year’s annual Poppy Appeal collects funds to help train assistance dogs for service men and women with post-traumatic stress.

The Kotuku Foundation Assistance Animals Aotearoa (KFAAA) and its founder Merenia Donne joined forces with the RSA in 2015 to select and train dogs set for the task. But finding the right canine companions is no easy task.

Auckland Borzoi breeder Sarahlee Shanly has vowed to make the task easier by donating puppies to become the next specialised canine companions.

The need for assistance dogs comes at a time when 75 per cent of Kiwi veterans with mental health injuries, including PTS, are under the age of 45.

Mental health injuries were the most common, but least understood, of all wounds suffered by New Zealand service men and women, the RSA said.

Donne said this year’s Poppy Appeal theme – not all wounds bleed – highlighted the mental health wounds that her dogs help veterans overcome.

‘‘There are many younger service men and women who have sustained unseen wounds from service. Their injuries and their service are as valid as those who have experienced trauma.’’

She said Russian Wolfhounds set to join the Canine Comrades programme would be an excellent match for KFAAA clients as the breed had already proven itself with 65 American veterans.

The dogs’ nature, large size, long lifespan and independent personality make them ideal for New Zealand veterans who would benefit from each of these dogs worth at least $3000, Donne said.

‘‘We are keen to ensure more qualifying veterans in need of a KFAAA dog, who would be a good fit for a Borzoi, can benefit.’’

As a charity-run organisation it is expensive to help these veterans. RSA’s annual Poppy Appeal will help with costs such as training, boarding, food, vaccinations and microchipping.

‘‘The generosity of the [Borzoi] donor will mean an even lower cost to train and place more assistance dogs with veterans,’’ Donne said.

Yesterday was Poppy Appeal Day. To donate visit RSA’s website.

PHOTO: MONIQUE FORD/STUFF Tegan, left, the same breed of dog that will assist New Zealand veterans, and Rica, trained by the Kotuku Foundation Assistance Animals Aotearoa.