Celebrating International Dog Day with Lort Smith: Therapy Heroes and Pups Seeking Forever Homes
Today marks International Dog Day, a special date on the calendar dedicated to honouring the extraordinary connection between people and their canine companions. Dogs are there through life’s best moments, hardest days, and everything in between. They bring laughter, encourage us to get outdoors, offer comfort, and always seem to know when an extra dose of love is needed.
For Australia’s largest charitable animal hospital and shelter, Lort Smith, this day reflects the core of their ongoing mission. Earlier today, Lort Smith hosted a special International Dog Day event at their Campbellfield Adoption Centre and Vet Clinic to celebrate the human-animal bond, treat resident pooches to extra cuddles, and showcase the life-changing work of their adoption and pet therapy programmes.
"International Dog Day is a very special day for everyone at Lort Smith, honouring the incredible bond people share with their pets and the joy that comes from bringing pet families together," said Lort Smith CEO Frances Mirabelli.
“We see every day just how much pets mean to their people, providing love, companionship, and comfort through life’s ups and downs. Dogs give us love, companionship, and comfort without asking for much in return.”
"At Lort Smith, we believe that bond between dogs and people is incredibly powerful and that keeping people and the dogs they love together can make an enormous difference to someone’s life."
A Heartwarming Bond: Archer and Mitch
One story that highlights the true power of this bond is that of Mitch and his seven-year-old Pomeranian x Husky, Archer.
Adopted as a puppy through Lort Smith, Archer has been by Mitch’s side for years. What began as welcoming a new pet into the household grew into an inseparable companionship. Archer travels everywhere with Mitch, including on family holidays.
“He’s a constant companion for me. He comes everywhere with me, even on holidays. We wouldn’t be without him now. He’s loyal, I love him” Mitch shared.
Beyond being a devoted companion at home, Archer plays a vital role in the community as part of Lort Smith’s Pet Therapy team. With a natural ability to draw people in, make them smile, and help them feel at ease, Archer regularly visits young people in need of extra support.
"Archer has an enormous impact on the day of the young people he visits. The expressions of happiness I see when they make a genuine connection with Archer, and then to see the trust he puts in them, is a really wonderful thing to be a part of," said Mitch.
For Mitch, International Dog Day is an opportunity to recognise the devotion dogs offer every single day. "Dogs give their companionship unconditionally, no matter who we are or everything we do. They are just there for us.
“It’s unconditional love from dogs, so they deserve everything we can give them.”
Adoptable Dogs Looking for a Second Chance
In the spirit of celebrating canine companions, Lort Smith is encouraging prospective pet owners to consider opening their hearts and homes to adoption. Three wonderful dogs currently awaiting their forever families at the Campbellfield Adoption Centre include:
About Lort Smith
Lort Smith is Australia’s largest charitable animal hospital, helping pets access essential veterinary care and supporting pet owners since 1936. Operating from sites in North Melbourne and Campbellfield, Lort Smith provides accessible veterinary services, adoption programmes, and initiatives that protect the human-animal bond.
Receiving no government funding, Lort Smith relies on community support to maintain its vital work, which includes emergency pet boarding, community pet therapy, and the Pets in Need fund for owners experiencing severe financial hardship.
