Former police officer Matt Rees shares an enduring bond with his greyhound, Thor, after both navigating their own challenging journeys. Thor, who was initially known as Livin Lovin, enjoyed a successful racing career, while Rees dedicated 33 years to serving as a senior highway patrol officer in Sydney.
Rees’s long tenure in law enforcement eventually took a toll on his mental health, leading him to retire and prioritise his wellbeing. In a fortunate turn of events, he and Thor were paired together through a programme that connects retired greyhounds with first responders experiencing PTSD. This programme has provided both men with the companionship and support they desperately needed.
Reflecting on their relationship, Rees shares, “I probably didn’t leave the house for 12 months. Thor gets me out of bed in the morning.” Their daily routine includes visits to a local coffee shop, where Rees has developed a special rapport with the staff — they know him and Thor well. He adds, “I don’t even have to order my coffee now; I just wander up with Thor, he gets a biscuit, she makes me coffee and away we go.”
Through their companionship, Rees and Thor have not only supported each other but have also found a renewed sense of purpose in life.