It wasn’t until seven to eight months later, in October 2013, that a guy from SSAFA, a charity for veterans and people still serving in the Forces, came to see me and told me they’d help me with a cottage in Guildtown, a village in Perth.

A report released last year by the VA found that participants paired specifically with service dogs trained for PTSD had fewer suicidal behaviors and ideations within the first 18 months compared to people with emotional support animals.

He gets scared of the wind and barks at it and reminds us that a world exists beyond lockdown and our house.‘The chemical effect of my companion is an also an increase in serotonin, dopamine and endorphins that my brain, even with pills, can’t properly manage on its own.’ Photograph: SuppliedI have known life with a depressive disorder and PTSD longer than I’ve known the dog and can vouch for the positive difference he has made to my illness.

Richard Mearns was told he could wait outside while his friend carried on shopping (Picture: Richard Mearns)An ex-British Army medic was left feeling embarrassed and humiliated after a Zara security guard booted him out because of his PTSD support dog.

Richard says he has heard of PTSD sufferers being turned away because of their dogs in the past and thinks more education in workplaces is needed (Picture: Richard Mearns)But Ziggy has ‘without a doubt’ changed his life by creating space around him and calming his nerves as he navigates through the Big Smoke’s bustling streets.

Tom Maybury died five years ago at the age of 29, but the recent death of Tottie has led Tom’s mother Sally and younger brother Henry to raise awareness of how rescue dogs can make such a difference to people’s lives.