Roger Weeks - Rescue dogs. Saving lives. 💙

Finalist - Commonwealth Bank Business of the Year Award

It was a personal struggle with PTSD that inspired Roger Weeks to co-found PTSD Dogs Australia with his partner Angie.    
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When Roger was medically discharged from the Royal Australian Air Force, an assistance dog was suggested as a possible lifeline. But it quickly became clear that the demand far outweighed supply, and the cost was beyond the reach of many.

With the support of close friends, Roger and Angie made the decision to establish a charity that could become a beacon of hope for others walking the same difficult path.

“We made a vow: if we could prevent even one tragedy, our efforts would be worth it,” said Roger.

PTSD Dogs Australia rescues shelter dogs and transforms them into highly trained Assistance Dogs. These dogs detect distress, provide comfort, and help mitigate symptoms of PTSD. Each pairing is life-changing, offering companionship, emotional support, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Once trained, each dog is matched with current and former military and emergency service personnel who have been clinically diagnosed with PTSD as a result of their service.

“The most important thing to me is providing hope to those who are also battling PTSD,” says Roger.  

In six years, they've seen lives saved, families healed, and futures reclaimed. They’ve expanded their board and team of trainers and are now working towards a purpose-built training centre to help scale their impact. The results have been profound - all thanks to the unconditional love and unwavering support of specially trained dogs.

“The journey has been challenging,” Roger admits, “but every life touched, every smile restored, makes it all worthwhile.”

Find out more: https://www.ptsddogs.org.au

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