More Than Just a Pet: Why Lort Smith is Celebrating "Fur Mums" This Mother’s Day

While Mother’s Day traditionally celebrates human milestones, Lort Smith Animal Hospital is reminding us that the nurturing bond between "fur babies" and their caregivers is just as worthy of recognition.

With approximately 36% of pet owners being couples without children and 20% being single-person households, the definition of "family" has evolved. Today, the role of a fur mum—as an advocate, protector, and provider of unconditional love—is deeply valued for its impact on our health and happiness.

“Recognising Mother’s Day for those with pets is about acknowledging the deep, nurturing bond between pet parents and their animals, validating the significant dedication, and unconditional love involved in caretaking,” says Lort Smith CEO, Frances Mirabelli.”

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Case Study: Spud’s Journey to Confidence

For Brunswick resident Brianna Hudson, being a "mum" to her five-year-old Bulldog, Spud, is a role she cherishes deeply. Spud didn’t have the best start to life; adopted at age two, he arrived with more gaps in his history than answers.

“His early world was very small, with signs that he may have come from an unregulated backyard breeding environment,” Brianna explains. “What was clear when he came into my care was how overwhelming everything felt for him. He was frightened, very easily overstimulated, and unfamiliar with even the simple experiences. Leads were confusing, walks felt like too much, and cars were absolutely terrifying. When he first came home, it seemed he may never have been inside a house before.”

The transition was a physical challenge as well as an emotional one. As Spud’s body finally began to relax, he came down with a severe case of doggie flu, requiring constant nursing and medication to help him recover.

Small Wins and Big Wiggles

With time, lots of patience, and gentle introductions to the world around him, little Spud began to grow more confident. Moments that once overwhelmed him—stepping into a puddle, feeling a new texture underfoot, or passing a trolley—slowly became things he could move through and even enjoy.

“One of my favourite memories of those first few weeks was him discovering something that was entirely his: his name,” says Brianna. 

“Each time you’d say ‘Spud,’ his eyes would brighten and his whole body would sway with a happy little wiggle, as if he was proudly answering, that’s me!”

Life as a "Man About Town"

As he grew even more confident, I had the absolute joy of expanding his world little by little… first trip to a park, first trip to a beach and new friendships. 

Today, three years on he has become quite the “man about town” a socialite who insists on stopping by the cafés and shops he loves most for pats and cuddles, often greeted by name from across the street.

“He’s even learned how to catch the tram with me to explore nearby parks just beyond walking distance, and he absolutely loves it,” Brianna says. “At home, he’s a total cuddle bug who rules the house—with a particular fondness for his giant snuggly beanbag.”

For Brianna, the bond holds a meaning similar to any other form of caregiving. “He doesn’t need me to be perfect, just present, steady, and kind. Our bond reminds me to slow down, to notice more, and to care with my whole heart.”

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Could You Be a Fur Mum?

If you have room in your heart for a new connection, Lort Smith has three beautiful souls looking for their forever "Mums" right now:

• Spice: Spice, is a bold, bright seven-month-old Bull Arab pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Deaf and full of potential, Spice is already shining with her eagerness to learn, she’s picking up hand signals and loves engaging with her people.
  
  Active, clever, and affectionate, she’s looking for a dedicated, experienced home that can provide positive training, structure, and plenty of enrichment as she grows. Spice would thrive with an active family and may suit a confident, well-socialised dog companion.

• Buckley: A confident, curious gentleman with movie-star looks. Buckley loves attention and being right in the middle of the action. He may suit a home with older children and potentially a playful dog friend, though he can be a bit enthusiastic in play. He’s social, affectionate, and ready to steal the spotlight.

• Lucy: The lovely Labrador with a big heart and an even bigger wiggle! Goofy and clever, she’s all enthusiastic zoomies and classic Labrador charm, looking for a patient soul to bond with.

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“The positive impact animals have on our health and happiness is widely recognised and deeply valued,” says Ms Mirabelli. “We would like to take a moment to recognise and thank all mothers and their pets for making this world a little bit brighter.”

The Brisbane-born lifeline that protects your pet when something happens to YOU!

May marks Responsible Animal Guardian Month, a time for pet owners to look beyond the daily walks and treats to the more serious side of pet care.

On May 9, we will observe National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, a date usually associated with bushfire kits and evacuation routes. However, Brisbane founder Ella Broomham realised that for most of us, the most likely "disaster" is the one we aren't talking about: What happens to our pets if something happens to us?

The "Nobody" Realisation

For Ella, a Brisbane-based marketing professional and dog owner, the moment of realisation came while driving home one afternoon. 

It was a thought she couldn't stop thinking about: If she were in an accident right now, who would know her dog, Indy, was home alone?

Like most dedicated owners, she had the good food, the vet on speed dial, and the favourite toy. She had thought of everything—except the "unreachable" scenario. If first responders were called to her side, who would know a pet was waiting at her house, and exactly what that pet needed? The answer, she realised, was probably nobody.

Finding nothing on the market that felt premium enough to belong on a keyring next to a well-made wallet, she decided to build it herself. Wren is a small Australian brand with one simple mission: to make sure your pet is never left without answers.

The Problem No Other Tag Has Solved

“If you are in an accident, your phone is locked. You cannot communicate. Your pet is home alone, waiting by the door,” explains Ella. “A collar tag does nothing in that situation—but your keys are right there. That is where Wren is most powerful.”

Wren is a precision-crafted stainless steel QR tag system. It comprises two distinct tag types, both linked to a single digital emergency profile:

• The Wren Keyring Tag: Designed for the owner’s keys. A single scan by a responder reveals the pet’s feeding schedule, medications, and emergency carer contacts. It even supports multiple pets on one profile.

• The Wren Collar Tag: If the pet gets lost, the finder scans the tag to access contact details and vital notes on how the animal handles strangers.

A Platform Built for the Moments That Matter

Each Wren tag connects to a live digital emergency profile managed at wrenpet.au. While the physical tags are the hardware, the digital platform provides the intelligence, featuring three specific tools that separate Wren from any other product:

✔️ Lost Pet Mode: Activates an urgent alert the moment an owner marks their pet as missing. Anyone who scans the tag is immediately informed the animal is lost and that the owner needs to be contacted urgently.

✔️ Scan Location Capture: Every time either tag is scanned, the system logs the precise location. This gives owners an immediate digital trail of exactly where their tag was found.

✔️ The Instant Missing Pet Poster: When a pet goes missing, every second counts. With a single tap, the platform generates a print-ready PDF pre-filled with the pet's photo and description. No designing, no wasted time.

Smart Tech, No Subscriptions

Importantly, Wren has ditched the subscription model typical of smart tags. One purchase keeps the profile active for life, with no app or software required for rescuers to use it.

“We did not want ongoing fees to be the reason someone left their pet unprotected" says Ella.

How to Get Wren (Presale Now Open)

Wren is currently available for pre-order in four premium finishes: Gold, Rose Gold, Brushed Silver, and Matte Black.

Special Launch Offer: Use code WRENPRESALE10 for 10% off.

• Wren Keyring Tag: $34.95 AUD

• Wren Collar Tag: $34.95 AUD

• Wren Bundle (Keyring + Collar): $54.00 AUD

• Wren Window Sticker: $9.99 AUD (Alerts responders to pets inside the home)

Not because something will happen, but because your pet deserves an owner who is prepared for everything. Because they’d do it for you.

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Website: wrenpet.com.au

Instagram: @wrenpet

Dogs of 1 Club – A Puppy Party with Purpose

Looking for the paw-fect way to spend your Saturday morning? 

Head down to 1 Hotel Melbourne on Saturday 16 May for Dogs of 1 Club, a high-vibe puppy party at Crane Terrace designed for VIPs (Very Important Paws).

Timed perfectly for your morning stroll along the Yarra, the event offers a mix of treats, community, and style—all while supporting a great cause.

The Highlights

✔ For the Pups: Complimentary puppuccinos and gourmet dog-friendly treats.

✔ For the Humans: Specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and complimentary Cocohit coconut waters.

✔ Paws & Portraits: Capture the memory with a live custom sketch of your dog by an onsite illustrator.

✔ Best Dressed: Dress your dog to impress! There is a prize up for grabs from Frank Green’s stylish pet range for the best-dressed pooch.

Party with a Purpose

It’s not just about the treats; it’s about giving back. During the event, 10% of all purchases over $10 at Neighbours Café will be donated to Lort Smith Animal Hospital, supporting their vital work in animal welfare.

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Event Details

• When: Saturday 16 May | 10am – 11am

• Where: Crane Terrace, 1 Hotel Melbourne (9 Maritime Place, Docklands)

• Entry: Free (Register your interest here via the 1 Hotel Melbourne website)

Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through on your weekend walk, swing by to soak up the atmosphere and support Lort Smith.

Losing a pet is a profound grief that often catches us off guard. You find yourself reaching for a bowl before you remember, or hearing a familiar sound at the door that isn't there anymore...

Amy, the founder of the Sydney-based studio The Soft Hours, understands this feeling intimately. Following the loss of her beloved Golden Retriever, Daisy, Amy turned to needle-felting as a way to "hold" her grief. 

Amy's craft began as a tribute to her own Golden Retriever, Daisy, capturing the joyful expression that memories are made of.

Today, she helps others do the same through her single guiding belief: that the love we have for our animals deserves to be truly, tangibly held.

Every piece from The Soft Hours is a labour of love, taking 6 to 10 weeks to hand-sculpt from merino wool. Working from your photos, Amy captures the exact tilt of an ear or the specific softness around the eyes that made your pet unique.

Every custom portrait begins with your favourite photos to ensure every unique marking and expression is captured in wool.

In the lead-up to Mother's Day, we are thrilled to partner with The Soft Hours to offer our readers the chance to win a custom tribute to their best friend.

The Prize Pool

• First Prize: A Custom Wool Felt Portrait (Head & Top option) handcrafted from your photos. (RRP $409)

• Runner Up: A LumiPet holographic 3D keepsake. (RRP $79)

Customised LumiPet sanctuaries: The runner-up prize offers a glowing, 3D holographic tribute tailored to your pet's unique story

About the Artist

Based in Sydney, The Soft Hours exists in the space between grief and gratitude—the "soft hours" after loss when you simply want something real to hold onto. Each portrait is sculpted using hand-dyed merino wool and wire, resulting in an uncanny 3D miniature that serves as a museum-quality heirloom.

For those navigating pet loss, or those simply wanting to celebrate a current companion, these portraits offer a level of tenderness that digital photos simply cannot match.

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How to Enter

To be in the running to win The Soft Hours Custom Wool Pet Portrait prize pack, please complete the following steps:

1. Follow our channels and like our giveaway post (published 03/05/2026) on our Facebook page and/or Instagram account.

2. Follow The Soft Hours @softhours.au on Instagram.

3. The entry question: Tell us which specific feature of your pet you would most want Amy to capture in a custom wool portrait (e.g., a soulful gaze, a quirky ear tilt, or a specific coat texture) and why?

Entries should be submitted via our official Facebook or Instagram page.

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Terms & Conditions

• Dates: The competition will open Sunday 3 May 2026 (6:00pm, AEST) and will close Monday 11 May 2026 (11:59pm, AEST).
• Eligibility: Open to Australian residents (18+) only.
• To enter: Like our post (03/05/26), follow the specified accounts, and answer the prompt above via the Australian Dog Lover Facebook or Instagram page.
• Judging: This is a game of skill. Entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team based on the most creative, informative, or heartfelt statement.
• Limits: Entrants may enter once.
• Delivery: Please allow 8–10 weeks for the handcrafted production and delivery of the First Prize, as each portrait is custom-made.
• Claiming: Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.
• Privacy: The winner must be willing to share contact details and high-quality reference photos of their pet with The Soft Hours to facilitate the custom portrait creation.

*Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

The Power of the Paw: Why Melbourne’s Bravest Are Seeking Solace in Pet Therapy

There is a specific kind of silence that follows a fire call—a heavy, adrenaline-soaked quiet that first responders carry back to the station. But this morning at Lort Smith Animal Hospital, that silence was replaced by the frantic thumping of tails and the soft panting of four-legged healers.

To mark World Therapy Animal Day, crews from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) traded their helmets for heart-to-heart connections with the stars of Lort Smith’s Pet Therapy program. While the event was a celebration of "cuddles," it underscored a much deeper, decades-long partnership between Melbourne’s iconic animal hospital and the men and women who keep the city safe.

A Bond Forged in the Line of Duty

The relationship between Lort Smith and Melbourne’s firefighters isn't just about today’s photo op; it’s a bond forged in the heat of emergency. For years, Lort Smith veterinarians and firefighters (formerly the MFB) have worked side-by-side on complex animal rescues. From cats trapped in the impossibly tight cavities of brick walls to animals pulled from house fires, the two organisations have long operated as a unified front for animal welfare.

However, as the mental health toll on first responders has come into sharper focus, that partnership has evolved. Today, the "rescue" goes both ways.

“Our first responders are perfect candidates to receive some love from our pets,” says Megan Nutbean, Lort Smith’s Community Programs Manager. “We see the magical effects this has. It isn’t just a nice morning out; it’s about managing workplace stress and supporting long-term mental health.”

The Dual Life of Mitch and Archer

One man who understands this better than most is Mitch Simons. With over 36 years as a firefighter, Mitch has spent a lifetime in high-pressure environments. But when he isn't in uniform, he is often found at Lort Smith with his dog, Archer, volunteering as a pet therapy team.

"I see first-hand how demanding the job at FRV is," Mitch explains. "And I also see how powerful the comfort of animals can be. 

Being here today with Archer, sharing the calm and connection he brings, is a unique way to support my colleagues and remind them how valued they are by the community."

The Science of the "Snuggle"

While the interaction looks simple, the biological impact is profound. Lort Smith bases its program on research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), which proves that even brief interactions with a therapy dog can significantly lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and trigger a surge of oxytocin (the "love" hormone).

For a firefighter who may have spent the previous night dealing with a traumatic incident, these physiological shifts aren't just pleasant—they are a vital tool for resilience. By lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate, the dogs provide a "reset" for the nervous system that few other interventions can match.

An 85-Year Legacy Looking Toward the West

Founded in 1936, Lort Smith is a Melbourne institution. As Australia’s busiest not-for-profit animal hospital, it treats over 25,000 animals a year. But as the city grows, so does the hospital’s mission.

Looking toward the future, Lort Smith is preparing for an ambitious expansion of their outreach. While the program is currently undergoing a strategic review to strengthen its services, the hospital has set its sights on Melbourne’s Western Suburbs for future growth. With the development of their Campbellfield facility, the goal remains to bring the healing power of the human-animal bond to hospitals, aged care, and community centres in areas like Sunshine, Melton, and St Albans.

Future intakes will be seeking volunteers who, like Mitch, are willing to make a long-term commitment to their community. They aren't just looking for "good dogs"—they are looking for dogs with the specific temperament to provide comfort in environments ranging from justice facilities to intensive care units.

More Than Just a Thank You

As the fire trucks pulled away from Villiers Street today, the mood was noticeably lighter. The firefighters left with dog hair on their uniforms and smiles on their faces, having received a small dose of the unconditional love that Lort Smith has been facilitating for over 30 years.

In a world that asks so much of our first responders, sometimes the most effective equipment isn't a ladder or a truck—it’s a wagging tail and a cold nose.

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Interested in joining the program in the future?

Thank you for your interest in the Lort Smith Pet Therapy program. While the hospital is not currently recruiting new teams as they take some time to review and strengthen this vital community service, future opportunities are on the horizon.

The next volunteer intake is currently projected for 2027. If you would like to be the first to know when applications reopen, you can register your interest via the official Pet Therapy Volunteer Registry here.

In the meantime, the existing teams continue their incredible work, pairing therapy dogs with staff in high-stress roles and fostering the human-animal bond across Melbourne.

READ MORE: 

The Dogs Who Heal the Healers – Discover how the D41R program in WA is providing a 'sixth sense' of support for paramedics on the front line.

Beyond the Itch: How a 6-Year-Old Brand and Two University Trials are Redefining Canine Wellness

For the better part of a decade, the pet health industry has treated canine skin conditions and digestive issues as two separate problems. However, a landmark pair of clinical trials (2025–2026) out of the University of Adelaide has fundamentally upended that approach, providing high-definition evidence of a "Gut-Skin Axis" in dogs.

The research reveals that the secret to clearing up chronic skin issues might not be found in the medicine cabinet, but in a coordinated biological restructuring of the dog's internal ecosystem.

The Sammy Story: From the Gold Coast to Global Science

Based on Australia’s Gold Coast, Activ Dog Health has spent six years quietly revolutionising the way we approach canine wellness. What started as a local mission to help a dog named Sammy has evolved into a brand defined by rigorous scientific accountability.

Sammy wasn’t just a pet; he was the catalyst for the brand’s entire philosophy.

Six years ago, he was suffering from a deteriorating cycle of chronic diarrhoea, severe skin irritation, and low energy. Despite extensive veterinary work, nothing delivered lasting results. 

Instead of continuing to treat the symptoms, the founders turned to the emerging science of the microbiome—asking if a systemic imbalance in the gut was the true cause of his distress.

Sammy’s recovery was the "proof of concept" that led to the development of the Tri-Biotic Supplement range. Today, that same Gold Coast-born formula is backed by finished-product clinical trials that validate its systemic impact on canine health.

Scientific Validation: The Adelaide University Trials

While the recovery of dogs like Sammy provided the inspiration, the brand sought to move beyond anecdotal success. Two independent clinical trials conducted at the University of Adelaide serve to validate the brand's data and claims regarding the "Gut-Skin Axis". These studies confirm that the Tri-Biotic system doesn't just promise results; it demonstrably influences the microbial landscape of both the gut and the skin.

The 2025 trial results back up the claim that oral supplementation can significantly shift skin health, documenting a surge in beneficial bacteria and a statistically significant reduction in the prevalence of harmful Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on the skin's surface.

The 2025 study, published in Veterinary Dermatology, showed that Activ Dog Health's daily oral supplement triggered a dramatic, statistically significant surge in "beneficial" skin bacteria over 90 days {1}:

• Roseomonas vastitus: A 40-fold increase. In humans, related strains are known to bolster the skin barrier and reduce pathogen burdens {1}.

• Dubosiella newyorkensis: A 37-fold increase. This bacterium is an immunomodulator that helps "teach" the immune system not to overreact {1}.

• Lactobacillus acidophilus: A 7-fold increase in abundance on the skin, despite being delivered orally {1}.

Proving the "Gut-Skin Axis"

The follow-up 2026 study provided the "smoking gun": Statistical Proof of Coordination. Researchers found a significant positive correlation between the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut and on the skin {2}.

Essentially, as the supplement fortified the gut, it sent a "bacterial reinforcement" to the skin's surface in real-time. This was most evident in the axillae (armpit) region, a moist environment where Lactobacillus species were found to thrive and persist {2}.

This biological coordination is powered by the production of essential metabolites—like Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)—which travel through the bloodstream to strengthen the skin’s barrier with ceramides, effectively locking out the allergens that cause chronic itching.

Crowding Out the "Bad" Staph

Perhaps the most practical takeaway for dog owners is the supplement's effect on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius—the primary pathogen responsible for the vast majority of canine skin infections.

The studies confirmed these results using advanced testing:

• Reduced Prevalence: Culture-based methods demonstrated a significant reduction in the presence of S. pseudintermedius in inguinal tissues after 90 days of supplementation {1}.

• Overall Decrease: Sequencing data documented a reduction in the total abundance of Staphylococcus species across the body {1, 2}.

The Activ Range: Targeted Support

The brand’s range is built around this "Tri-Biotic" philosophy—ensuring that beneficial bacteria aren't just introduced, but are fed (prebiotics) and supported by the functional compounds they produce (postbiotics).

• Activ Daily Postbiotic & Probiotic Supplement: The flagship 10g chew used in the University trials {1, 2}.

• Species-Specific Strains: Unlike many supplements that use generic human probiotics, Activ uses strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus (ADHTM-302), which showed an "exceptional capacity" for colonisation in both the canine gut and skin {2}.

• Systemic Health: The same microbiome-first logic is applied to their range to support joint health and stress management, recognising that health begins in the gut.

A Targeted Approach to Wellness

While the University trials focused on the flagship Tri-Biotic supplement, the same microbiome-led philosophy is applied across the entire Activ Dog Health range. By combining specialised active ingredients with their proprietary postbiotic "Microbiome Assist," they have developed targeted solutions for other common challenges:

• Activ Joints: Beyond standard glucosamine, this formula utilizes Biota Orientalis seed oil to help reduce cartilage degeneration and postbiotics to manage systemic joint inflammation {3}.

• Activ Stress: This targeted supplement uses "Trypsin Digest of Casein," a natural product derived from milk protein that helps soothe nerves and reduce fear in unpredictable environments {3}.

• Topical Care: The range also includes a Postbiotic Microbiome Mist and Wash, designed to support the skin's external barrier using the same "crowding out" technology found in their oral supplements.

The Verdict: A New Standard of Accountability

The Adelaide studies represent a shift in the pet industry from "marketing-led" to "data-led" wellness. They confirm that for owners dealing with chronic itching or digestive sensitivity, the secret is a coordinated, systemic approach.

However, the researchers also offer a reality check: Patience is a virtue. While some initial changes were detectable at Day 30, the most significant structural reorganisation of the microbiome occurred at the 90-day mark {1, 2}. True biological change takes time.

Price & Where to Buy

Price: Activ Daily Postbiotic & Probiotic Supplement is available in various pack sizes, with 90-day "Challenge" bundles specifically designed to align with the clinical trial timelines.

Where to Buy: Available directly via activdog.com and select veterinary dermatology clinics.

Join the Community: For more tips on microbiome health, real-life success stories, and the latest updates on canine wellness research, follow Activ Dog Health online:

• Instagram: @activdoghealth
• Facebook: Activ Dog Health

Clinical References:

{1} Grant, L. et al. (2025). The effect of daily oral probiotic and postbiotic supplementation on the canine skin microbiota. Veterinary Dermatology. DOI: 10.1111/vde.13353

{2} Dehcheshmeh, M. M. et al. (2026). Oral probiotic and postbiotic supplementation enhances the abundance of beneficial species in both canine skin and gastrointestinal microbiota. Veterinary Research Communications. DOI: 10.1007/s11259-025-10962-y

{3} Activ Dog Health. (2026). Product Range & Targeted Formulations. Retrieved from activdog.com/collections/ (30/04/26).

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The Microbiome & Allergy Series: Further Reading

To better understand the complex link between your dog's gut, their skin, and their environment, explore these deep dives from our archives:

• Environmental Allergies in Dogs: A Pain in the Skin!
  Traditional medicine meets natural health: A look at how probiotics and integrative care can help dogs suffering from chronic atopic dermatitis.


• Tummy to Temperament: How Canine Gut Health Affects Behaviour
  Discover the "gut-brain axis" and how chemical messengers in the gut regulate mood, memory, and aggression.


• Food Allergies & Gut Health in Dogs
  Explore "Leaky Gut Syndrome" and the "Remove, Repair, and Rebalance" protocol for dogs with chronic sensitivities.