Awareness, advocacy and Benny.
K9s 4 Valour's contribution has focused on making PTSD better understood, promoting the role of assistance dogs and encouraging stronger standards in Victoria.
Advocacy
Clearer rules help people and dogs.
K9s 4 Valour promoted improved legislation for assistance and service dogs in Victoria, including regulation of training and assessment and public awareness campaigns about the importance of service dogs in treating PTSD and other medical conditions.
That advocacy matters because first responders need confidence that an assistance dog is appropriately trained, and the public needs confidence in how service dogs are identified and assessed.
Benny
The first dog, handled with care.
Significant donations allowed K9s 4 Valour to invest in its first assistance dog, Benny. The publicly recorded transition plan prioritised finding Benny a suitable organisation or recipient rather than rushing a placement without the right support around it.