Real heroes don’t wear capes,

they have wet noses and fur!

In company with Kate and Leanne from The Riddell Fudge Factory, we’d like to introduce you to two very special new members of our crew. Meet our sponsored assistance dogs Spencer and Gregory, who have joined us through the incredible team at Integra Service Dogs Australia (Integra).

We will share the incredible hard work Leanne and Kate have done to raise the funds for these two dogs shortly, we know you’ll find their journey inspiring – we’re humbled to have them in our corner…

Back L-R: Ben Johnson (Co-Founder and CEO, Integra Service Dogs Australia), Leanne (Riddell Fudge Factory), Mark Thomas (President, The Code 9 Foundation), Alberto Alvarez-Campos (Integra), Kate (Riddell Fudge Factory)
Front L-R: Gregory, Spencer

Integra works with first responders and veterans and their families suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by enriching lives through highly trained Labrador assistance dogs. Their program aims to empower first responders and veterans with the tools to reclaim their place in the community and rebuild their lives.

To date, they’ve helped create bonds for more than 100 first responders and veterans across Australia.

Alberto, Rob & Jimmy (2015)

Many of you know one of our founding members Rob, whose assistance dog Jimmy came into his life back in 2015. Alberto was Jimmy’s trainer through his former employer and he and Rob have since become lifelong friends.

It is through this long-term relationship and the people behind the scenes at Integra, that we have developed our new partnership. Jimmy is the reason why The Code 9 Foundation was formed, to raise funds to sponsor these incredible dogs.

We have since expanded our support structure to assist those in need, but sponsoring assistance dogs will forever remain a core function of The Code 9 Foundation.

Spencer and Gregory have found their forever homes here in Victoria with their new Handlers, two of our veteran members from Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria. Integra’s approach to working with the handlers and the dogs was a significant reason why we chose to work together to deliver real health outcomes.

Integra Dog Training is a reward-based core skills training program, it takes approximately 6-12 months to complete. However, it can take as long as is required to support the handler and this was a key difference we saw with Integra’s approach – side by side, “You’re never alone”. The program has been designed to ensure that first responders and veterans successfully achieve their goals, while strengthening the team bond.

Through Integra’s collaborative partnerships with Guide Dogs Victoria, Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia and the Australian Border Force Detection Dog Program they recruit only the highest quality, most temperamentally suitable Labrador dogs into its program. The dogs are exceptional, with strong levels of public acceptability and high levels of socialisation and training such that they can already commence work with a first responder or veteran as a trainee assistance dog.

The bond created through each team is life changing and we know that Spencer and Gregory are already making an impact on their Handler’s lives.

Integra’s program teaches its dogs to become emotionally tuned to their first responder or veteran and their unique triggers. The dogs are able to ground their handler from a hyper-aroused state and provide unconditional support through the trauma and stresses of everyday life.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll share more about the inspiring people behind the fundraising that has allowed The Code 9 Foundation to sponsor these two very special, highly trained and attuned dogs. We’ll also share with you, the impact that Spencer and Gregory are having on the lives of their handlers.

Our Foundation originated from the need for connection within a community of first responders experiencing PTSD, and other mental health conditions. We took action to create a real impact.

We pride ourselves on using all donations and goods to support first responders, their families, and carers. Beyond the assistance dogs, we provide peer support and a range of support services to help out when times are tough.

Whether that’s delivering some meals to help take the pressure off, organising some home maintenance to help the family spend some quality time together or sending them off on a well needed weekend away.

Code 9 President, Mark Thomas (Middle), with Integra PTSD Dogs, Gregory (Left) & Spencer (Right)

Mark (Middle), with Integra PTSD Dogs, Gregory (Left) & Spencer (Right)

We hope you’ll follow us on this journey – we want to continue to sponsor more dogs because we know they’ll make an impact.

Find out how more about how you can get involved