Congratulations to everyone that has donated to mycause. We have reached the target that I originally set out to achieve. Any donations from now on is a bonus and it means that we can provide more funds for more assistance dogs. The fundraiser will continue until the end of the year. Young Diggers aims to train 300 dogs this year and I am so proud that we are all apart of their goal. Helping fellow veterans receive assistance dogs is something that is close to my heart. Thank you for your continued support!! Keep spreading the word!!



And a special thank you to everyone in Mount Beauty & Surrounds for your AMAZING support.



Cheers Josh & Lucky





Hi my name is Josh and I am raising funds for 15 rescued dogs to become Assistance Dogs to support our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who are dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD)



"Please share"



I am a returned servicemen who served in Afghanistan. I deployed 3 times over a period of 4 years and needless to say this was extremely tough on myself and my young family. After returning from deployment I realised that I was not coping and after my wife expressed her concerns I decided to get help. In August 2013 I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as Major Depression. This sent our world into a spin.



In February 2014 my wife made a phone call to the founder of Young Diggers and enquired about the dogs for diggers program. We were unsure of the process that was involved in getting a digger dog but we felt that the question needed to be asked. We were informed that I met the criteria to receive a dog and so the application process began.



In October 2014 I was medically discharged from the Army after almost 10 years of service. Thankfully soon after I received my little miracle. Lucky came in to our family in early December 2014, he is now my assistance dog and goes everywhere with me. He is trained to help me when my anxiety goes up or when I am feeling overwhelmed.



I am fundraising for Young Diggers because they have changed not only mine, but my families' life. This organisation is run only by volunteers, with all donations going to support injured veterans. What I would like to see is a larger foot print and a greater awareness of this wonderful organisation around Australia.



This is where I NEED YOUR HELP.... PLEASE DONATE AND SHARE MY CAUSE



Many people don't understand the importance of an assistance dog for mental illness so I would like to make people aware. Lucky has changed my life for the better and this has a wonderful flow on affect for my family, my friends and my local community. He identifies if i'm depressed and crying, and will lick my face until I tell him its ok. He can also Identify if I am having an anxiety attack and will guide me to a quiet place.



I would love to give this gift to other veterans.



Please help me fundraise enough money to save 15 dogs, and put them through training under the Young Diggers program. The cost is $2500 per dog, I would love to see 15 dogs for 15 diggers in 2015.



Thank you!



