Margot Forster is proud to be a serving member of the Australian Air Force, and sees long deployments to the Middle East as part of her job.
The mother of three acknowledges a service career comes with particular challenge, which can be tough on her family.
"Yes, I did deploy, and yes, it did affect our family," she said.
"[In particular] it affected my youngest child, who is profoundly deaf and on the autism spectrum."
Ms Forster heard about the Dogs for Diggers program through a friend at work. Run by Young Diggers, the program aims to pair soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress, or families with special needs, with a highly trained pet.
The Forster family welcomed Jake, a black and white kelpie, into their family, just a few days ago. The pup quickly bonded with Margot's young son Matthew.
"Matthew's really enjoying having Jake," she said.
"He's only been with us two days, but the difference I've seen in that time is miraculous."
The Dogs for Diggers program was the brainchild of Young Diggers CEO John Jarrett. The Vietnam veteran knows first-hand how tough it can be to deal with post-traumatic stress.
"I was there for 400 days," he said.
"Came back to Australia mad as a two-bob watch."
He says having a companion was a big part of his path to wellness.
"The thing that turned me around was my wife. I met my wife."
Four years ago, Mr Jarrett says he was compelled to help the next generation of soldiers who have served their country.
"I looked at what I had gone through and I read in the papers, young troops are still going through the same stuff," he said.
"I thought it was my duty as an Australian citizen who had been there to try not to let these guys and girls go through this long period of not being able to function properly."
"No one deserves this," he added.
"I'm not saying, why me, why me? I'm saying it can't happen to these young people."
The Dogs for Diggers program uses the Bathurst Correctional Centre to train dogs.
Steve is one of the inmates who's been involved. He says the program also helps prisoners navigate a difficult time in their lives.
"It was my first time in [prison], so it was a bit of a culture shock," he said.
Inmates will keep the dog with them constantly while training, including at night. They take them on visits to nursing homes and within the local community to help establish familiarity with different situations.
"It doesn't only help the young diggers, it helps the inmates that are on the course also," said Steve.
"It brings values of trust."
The dogs are also taught special skills to help their future buddies.
Those destined to help disabled veterans can be trained to help remove socks and jackets, or bring items to their owners.
Others, like Margot Forster and her family, just need a companion.
A 34-year veteran of the Australian Defence Force, Ms Forster hopes the new addition to her family will help her serve her country a little longer.
"With the support of this program and ones like it, I get the help that I need during the difficult periods," she said.
"It means that I can continue to serve in the Defence Force and serve my country, which is really important to me."
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