Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton - Issue No.: 782 Issue Date: 29 Apr, 2024

Guest Speaker Peter Checkley Topic - Assistance Dogs for Veterans (introduced by Kevin Watson): Major Peter Checkley was medically discharged from the Australian Army in October 2013 after serving twenty years in both the Royal Australian Infantry and the Royal Australian Ordinance Corps. Prior to his service with the ADF he had served for twenty five years as a British Royal Marine Commando. He has served on many warlike and not warlike operations around the world. He saw his first tour of duty at seventeen years of age and his final tour of duty was completed four days before his fifty ninth birthday in Afghanistan. He has been married to Jennifer for thirty nine years and has three children and three grand children.

We watched a thirty second video that showed the role of dogs in helping people deal with post war issues. Peter then talked to us about Operation K9 (see notes at the conclusion of this article).

In 2013 the RSL met with the Royal Society for the Blind to discuss several issues one of which was the fact that the need for Guide Dogs was decreasing. Out of this meeting emerged the idea of utilising a program that already existed in the USA where war veterans used dogs to help them in their recovery from war.

The dogs used in what is now known as Operation K9 receive very similar training to Guide Dogs i.e. two intensive years. The Australian Department of Veterans Affairs decided to trial it in Australia and so far it has been taken up in SA, Vic and NSW.

Peter with his dog Ruby are the first in Australia. Peter has been travelling Australia in a mobile home promoting and raising awareness around the Operation K9 program. Not every recovering war veteran can have a dog, sometimes they are not compatible. A dog costs about $25,000 to train and provide food and veterinary expenses.

Peter described that when he returned from Afghanistan that he was in a bad and dark place relating that the higher the command position in battle the higher the responsibility. He has post traumatic stress syndrome (PTS) and often relives the ‘battles’ of war.

So having Ruby, who is highly trained and accredited with what is known as the PAT or Public Access Test has provided Peter with a better life than it seemed he would have. Ruby is allowed to fly with him and accompany him to most places. The Op K9 dogs are not allowed in hospital burns units or ICU’s and are also not permitted into areas of food preparation or zoos.

Peter emphasised that the Op K9 dogs were not failed Guide Dogs. It is important for the dog and its human companion to be matched. Ruby was matched with Peter because of her ability to deal with his PTS and his difficulties with balance. Both the dog and the human are trained to work with each other.

Peter then gave some examples of where Ruby had understood Peter’s difficulties and taken him out of congested or confronting places. This could happen in a market place or any environment where there are a lot of people. Effectively she helps him lead a relatively normal public life.

Ruby also manages Peter when he is asleep checking on him to make sure his sleep is restful. She will wake him up if he is exhibiting signs of stress. Peter believes that she has given him confidence. He also believes she has saved his marriage!

Finally he said he doesn’t own Ruby, who is expected to have a working life of up to twelve years. At the end of that time Peter will have the option to buy her

Peter’s wife Jenny also spoke telling us that having Ruby has provided independence for both of them, and the very significant fact that Peter is now off most drugs. Prior to Ruby he was almost like a zombie.

Questions Raj Mavath, Kevin Watson and Kim Stokes.

Vote of thanks by Ray Haynes: Ray reflected on the sacrifices that Peter had made and how important that it was to share the journey with us. It was a very poignant moment. Thanks Ray!

Operation K9 is a joint initiative of the RSL and the Royal Society for the Blind. Any contributions will enable the continual development of this program and importantly continue to make a difference to the lives of past and current service personnel with combat related PTSD who seek and need the support of one of these specially trained dogs.

OK9 Assist Fundraising Group was formed by Major Peter Checkley (retired) and his wife Jenny to assist the RSL in raising funds and awareness for the OK9 program with the full authority and approval of the RSL and the RSB. Peter was the first recipient of one of these special dogs and Ruby his OK9 Assistance Dog not only saved his life but also his marriage.

Donations to Operation K9 can be made by direct deposit into: OK9 Assist BSB: 036 103 A/C: 500467 (a tax receipt can be issued on request) Contact Peter or Jenny via email: ok9assist@gmail.com