Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of abuse, sexual assult, suicide, death, grief, and loss. Please consider whether listening may impact your wellbeing. If you need support, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Rachel’s story is one of resilience shaped by both visible and hidden traumas. Outwardly, Rachel grew up in a loving and privileged home, with supportive parents, a sister, and memorable family holidays. Yet beneath this, she endured childhood sexual abuse by a family member and, at age 12, witnessed the sudden death of her best friend—a loss she describes as even more traumatic than her abuse.

These experiences led Rachel to develop complex PTSD, a condition marked by layers of trauma over time. She became vulnerable to bullying and isolation, often trying to blend in and please others to avoid further pain. Despite excelling academically, she struggled with relationships and self-worth, internalizing guilt and shame from her childhood losses.

A turning point came when her sister brought home a tiny chihuahua puppy named Roxy. Instantly, Rachel felt a deep connection—Roxy’s vulnerability mirrored her own, and caring for the puppy gave Rachel a renewed sense of purpose. Roxy became her confidante and emotional anchor, offering unconditional love and companionship, especially during Rachel’s darkest moments.

Rachel describes how she would retreat to the bathroom—a safe, locked space—where she could be alone with Roxy. In these moments, when she felt overwhelmed by depression and thoughts of self-harm, Roxy’s presence grounded her and kept her going. Rachel credits Roxy with saving her life, providing comfort and a reason to survive when everything else felt hopeless.

Roxy, too, faced her own health battles, and their mutual dependence grew stronger through each challenge. Rachel’s commitment to Roxy, and the dog’s unwavering loyalty, became a lifeline through heartbreak, toxic relationships, and the darkest chapters of her life. Their bond is a powerful testament to the healing potential of animals and the importance of connection in overcoming trauma.

Rachel’s ongoing journey is marked by honesty and advocacy. She is determined to make the world safer for her son and others, using her experiences to raise awareness about trauma and mental health. Her story reminds us that healing often comes from the most unexpected places—and that the love of an animal can be transformative.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Sue grew up in New Zealand loving horses, always asking for a white pony and feeling happiest when spending time riding and caring for her first ponies and her horse, Lady.

As a child with autism and ADHD, Sue felt awkward around humans but found peace and confidence with horses, using time in nature to manage her feelings and emotions.

Bullied at school and struggling with human interactions, Sue discovered that horses accept her, noticing how their calm and fair behaviour helps her feel understood and secure.

Diagnosed with breast cancer at age forty, Sue moved to an acreage and surrounded herself with horses. She finds comfort from her pony Mindy, who has supported her through surgeries and recovery.

After moving to Queensland and spending more time with horses, Sue attended horsemanship clinics, learning calm body language and breathing, which helps her overcome long-standing anxiety.

Then she developed Horses Helping Humans, teaching young people and adults how to use horsemanship skills to build confidence, manage behaviour, and communicate better, especially for those with trauma or neurodiversity.

As the program grew Sue received awards and recognition, and she became an author, creating a certified program that supports thousands through practical lessons in confidence, boundaries, emotional health, and horse care.

https://www.horseshelpinghumansaustralia.com/

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Julie grew up in the bushland of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, where her love for animals began with a rescued kitten at age two and a childhood spent exploring nature. That early connection with the environment led her to study Environmental Biology and complete a PhD on bird migration.

After working for years in veterinary and zoo settings, Julie moved to Townsville and began volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary - where she met dingoes for the first time. Expecting dog-like behaviour, she was surprised by their independence, intelligence, and sensitivity. That encounter sparked a fascination that would shape the next chapter of her life.

Training dingoes required a new kind of relationship - one built on trust and respect rather than obedience. Over time, she developed deep bonds with them, spending hours outside of work just to be near them. Their behaviour challenged everything she thought she knew about animal training and shifted her perspective on human-animal relationships.

Now working in natural resource management, Julie engages with graziers, traditional owners and policymakers to explore the role dingoes can play in landscape health. She advocates for coexistence strategies and challenges the long-held myth of the “wild dog”, calling for greater recognition of dingoes as native apex predators.

For Julie, dingoes are more than animals - they’re teachers, helping her understand ecology, connection, and what it means to work with nature, not against it.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd