Delta's Journey to Recovery

Hello everyone. My name is Dion Taka and I am a soldier in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Defence Force.

On 04 August 2012 I was critically wounded whilst serving in Afghanistan. I was shot through the spine by an insurgent sniper and my wounds have left lifelong, lasting and devastating effects on me both physically and mentally. I live with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 2 and military PTSD.

During rehabilitation, I was very fortunate to receive a service dog I named Delta, after the two Delta Force operators who took care of me in hospital in Afghanistan helping to save my life.

Delta has given me a new lease on life. She is constantly by my side and helps me do things I thought would not be possible again. She also does many tasks for me such as bringing me medication, preventing nightmares and calming down PTSD reactions. Without her I have struggled to even leave the house. In a way she too helped to save my life.

Now it is my turn to repay her the favour.

On the 18 August 2021, on the first day of Covid lockdown we were out walking at one of Delta's favourite walking places when she was hit by a car through no fault of her own. The impact broke her front leg. It is a complex break that required pins and a plate to mend the broken bones.

Delta now requires intensive care with an estimated recovery period of 8 months. She needs follow up xrays, ongoing medication and supplements, physiotherapy and aquatherapy to improve her chances of making a full recovery.

Delta means the world to me and has brought joy to my life where there was darkness for a long time. She deserves the best help available regardless of the cost. I ask you from the bottom of my heart for help towards Delta’s post surgery recovery. I will be very grateful.

I appreciate your care and understanding

Sincerely Dion Taka