Class is in Session for Westy: How Guide Dogs SA/NT’s Facility Dogs are Transforming Community Wellbeing

As Australia pauses to reflect on the importance of mental health and staying connected for R U OK? Day, there’s a new classmate in the school corridors of Hope Valley making sure no student ever feels alone.

Meet Westy, the newest Guide Dogs SA/NT-trained Facility Dog, who has officially been welcomed by the students and staff at Torrens Valley Christian School. As the second Facility Dog placed within an independent school in South Australia, Westy’s mission is simple yet profound: support student wellbeing, ease morning drop-off anxiety, and help kids stay engaged with their education.

Teacher Margaret Garland and Year 4 student Layla enjoying a walk with Westy, the school's facility dog, on the grounds of Torrens Valley Christian School.

For Year 3 student Jessie, Westy’s presence has already proven life-changing.

“Sometimes I find it hard to come into school, but Westy comes and meets me in the carpark, and I get to walk to class with him. He makes me so happy.” - Jessie, Year 3 Student

Torrens Valley Christian School Principal Anton Visser echoed that sentiment, noting how quickly Westy has become an essential part of the school community.

“Westy has already been an incredible asset to our staff and students. The sense of ease and comfort he brings those students struggling with transitions and emotional regulation has been wonderful to watch... We are very blessed to have him.” - Principal Anton Visser

A Legacy of Four-Legged Lifesavers

While Westy is just beginning his journey in the classroom, he joins an elite workforce of highly trained Guide Dogs SA/NT Facility Dogs who are breaking ground across South Australia.

Whether working in courtrooms, classrooms, airports, or mental health clinics, these dedicated working dogs undergo over two years and $50,000 worth of specialised training to operate calmly in complex environments:

• Elmo (Adelaide Airport): Making history as the first internationally-accredited Facility Dog at any Australian airport when he started in 2022, Elmo continues to be a beloved, reassuring presence for nervous travellers and families navigating hidden disabilities through the busy terminal.
• Marley (headspace Mount Barker): Trailblazing in youth mental health, Marley became the first Guide Dog-trained Facility Dog placed at a headspace centre in Australia. By sitting quietly in counselling sessions, Marley offers grounding comfort that helps young people aged 12–25 open up during tough conversations.

  

  Marley, Australia's first Guide Dog–trained Facility Dog placed at a headspace centre, pictured at headspace Mt Barker. (Credit: headspace Mt Barker Facebook)

• Bonnie (Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia): Sworn in during a special ceremony as the first Facility Dog to serve in a federal jurisdiction in South Australia, sweet-natured Bonnie provides vital, trauma-informed emotional support during family law proceedings. Trained by Guide Dogs SA/NT to reduce the stress of court processes, Bonnie offers calm reassurance to children, witnesses, and vulnerable litigants—whether sitting quietly beside people in court hearings or playing a set of toy drums as a fun icebreaker for kids!

  

  Bonnie, the first Facility Dog to serve in a federal jurisdiction in SA, pictured at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia alongside her official swearing-in certificate.

• The Wider Pack: Alongside Westy, Elmo, Marley, and Bonnie, the Guide Dogs SA/NT team includes Canine Court Companion Zeb, as well as school wellbeing dogs Iris, Apollo, and Scout.

Turning End of Leash into a Force for Good

Guide Dogs SA/NT Chief Executive Officer Dan Cox emphasised that training facility dogs allows the organisation to extend its positive footprint into every corner of the community.

“Facility Dogs like Westy are trained to the highest level to work safely and effectively in complex environments. Having Westy working within the school can help students feel more settled and supported, creating an environment where they can focus on their learning and wellbeing.” - Dan Cox, Guide Dogs SA/NT CEO

Whether it’s greeting anxious students at the school gate, easing flight anxiety at the airport, offering a gentle paw in therapy sessions, or bringing comfort to a courtroom, Westy and his fellow Facility Dogs prove every day that a dog’s love and training can truly transform human lives.

Lead photo credit: Torrens Valley Christian School featuring Seema (Year 12), Layla (Year 4), Cameron (Year 8), and Westy.

*Source: Information provided via media releases from Guide Dogs SA/NT, Adelaide Airport, headspace Mount Barker, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. For more information on their facility dog programs, visit Guide Dogs SA/NT.

A Living Tribute for National Pet Memorial Day: World-First Mushroom-Grown 'FurEver' Pet Urns Launch in Australia

Grown from mycelium and upcycled hemp fibres, these 100% biodegradable urns offer dog lovers a natural way to honour a beloved pet's legacy—either kept safely at home or returned to the earth as part of a garden memorial.

Fresh off the news of Australia's very first human mushroom coffin burial in the Blue Mountains, Dutch green innovation company Loop Biotech has officially expanded Down Under—bringing its world-first, dedicated FurEver™ pet urn range to Australian and New Zealand dog lovers.

Timed meaningfully alongside National Pet Memorial Day on Sunday, September 13, this new option gives grieving pet parents a sustainable, deeply personal way to honour their dog's memory.

Already trusted by more than 10,000 families across 12 countries and recognised as one of TIME's Best Inventions, Loop Biotech is transforming the future of memorialisation by turning the end of life into a force for nature.

Distributed locally through memorial specialists Arrow Bronze, the FurEver™ line is grown rather than manufactured in the traditional sense. Each vessel is created using mycelium—the underground root network of mushrooms—combined with upcycled plant fibres like hemp. The result is a lightweight, completely natural memorial urn that enriches the soil rather than leaving a long-term environmental footprint.

"The Beginning of New Life"

Loop Biotech founder Bob Hendrikx pictured in Sydney with the human Loop Living Cocoon™. The company has officially launched its dedicated FurEver™ pet urn range across Australia.

"For many people, losing a pet means losing a member of the family," explains Loop Biotech inventor and founder Bob Hendrikx. "We wanted to create a memorial that reflects that bond while also giving something back to nature. FurEver turns the end of one life into the beginning of new life."

Designed specifically for companion animals, the natural, velvety texture of the mycelium vessel gives pet parents complete freedom in how they choose to remember their dog:

Families can paint or decorate the soft natural surface of the FurEver™ urn as a therapeutic, personalised tribute to their dog.

• Personalised Tributes: Families can paint, draw, or write personal messages directly onto the exterior of the urn as a therapeutic, creative part of the grieving process.

• Kept Close at Home: Because the mycelium remains completely stable while kept dry indoors, families can keep their dog’s ashes safely on a display shelf or mantel for as long as they wish.

• Backyard or Tree Planting Memorial: When the time feels right, burying the urn in a garden bed or planting it beneath a new memorial tree allows the mycelium to naturally decompose in surrounding soil, returning vital nutrients back to nature.

The Science: Fast Decomposition & Soil Restoration

Supported by a scientific summary from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the technology behind these urns offers remarkable environmental benefits:

• Decomposes in 45 Days: Under optimal soil conditions, the mycelium composite material biodegrades completely in just 45 days—a fraction of the time traditional wooden or synthetic vessels take to decompose.

• 100% Safe & Non-Invasive: The specific fungal species used is non-invasive, globally occurring, and feeds exclusively on dead plant fibres, posing zero ecological risk.

• Enriches Soil Quality: Rather than sitting as waste, the breaking down of mycelium adds a rich source of carbon and energy into the soil, boosting soil biodiversity and actively helping to neutralise organic toxins and heavy metals.

Sized for Every Dog Breed

Unlike human burial products in the Loop range, the FurEver™ pet urn features a distinct, rounded design crafted specifically for pet ashes and is available in three sizes:

• 4.0 Litre (Ideal for large & giant dog breeds)

• 1.5 Litre (Perfect for medium dog breeds)

• 0.5 Litre (Suited for small breeds or keeping token keepsake ashes)

Availability in Australia

The FurEver™ pet urn range is now actively rolling out across Australia through Arrow Bronze and its national network of pet memorialisation providers, local funeral partners, and pet cremation services.

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*Research source: Scientific summary on mycelium composite performance and biodegradation by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). For product specs and research details, visit Loop Biotech.

A Portable Leather Keepsake for Everyday Remembrance

With National Pet Memorial Day celebrated on September 13 (and the entire month of September observed as National Pet Memorial Month), it is a poignant time to reflect on honouring the bond we share with our pets. 

Whether as a personal keepsake for everyday companionship or a gift of remembrance for a loved one, new Australian brand Pawmoir offers a subtle, touchable way to keep your dog close.

Behind the Brand

The idea for Pawmoir was born out of everyday life with Kimi, a rescue dog living with megacolon whose daily care routines inspired his owner to seek a quiet, tangible reminder of their bond during time spent apart.

Co-Founder Testimonial:

"Life with a dog is made up of countless small, heart-warming moments—their paw prints, the warmth of them curled up beside us, and the soft fur left in their brush after grooming. Like most dog parents, I wanted something small and real that could come with me when Kimi could not. Pawmoir began with this idea—not as a replacement for a collar, photograph, or favourite toy, but as a real, touchable, quiet way to keep a physical connection close.

Clipped to my handbag or keys, it looks like a small leather paw keyring. What others cannot see is the little piece of Kimi tucked inside and the memories it holds for me. When someone notices it and asks what is inside, I get to tell them about Kimi, his personality, his little habits, and the everyday moments we share."

— Co-Founder, Pawmoir (and dog parent to Kimi)

A Keepsake for Everyday Life

That simple thought sits behind the Pawmoir Personalised Pet Fur Keepsake Locket: a small leather paw that arrives empty, ready to fill with fur from your own dog at home.

It can be clipped to a handbag, backpack, keys, or travel bag, so something familiar can come along on ordinary days as well as the bigger journeys.

☑️ Self-Fill at Home: Pawmoir ships the locket empty. Owners simply collect loose fur from a brush, blanket, or coat during regular grooming and place it inside at home. 

Note: Pawmoir does not receive, handle, store, or insert customer fur.

☑️ 6 Colour Options: Available in Amber Glow, Glacier Blue, Sakura Pink, Pearl White, Midnight Noir, and Amethyst Mist.

☑️ Personalised Engraving: Optional custom machine engraving/name stamping is available (up to 12 characters) for names, dates, or special messages ($59.00 engraved vs $39.00 standard).

☑️ Australian Assembly: Components are produced by a specialist manufacturing partner in China, with final personalisation, machine engraving, hand assembly, and quality checks completed in Sydney, Australia.

☑️ Gifting Ready: Presented in a beautiful keepsake gift box, making it a thoughtful gift for family members, partners, or trusted dog sitters who share that special bond.

Materials & Dimensions

• Locket Dimensions: 5.5 cm x 6 cm (9.2 cm total length including hardware ring).

• Body: Premium full-grain vegetable-tanned leather featuring stitched edges and a polished finish.

• Lining: Soft suede microfibre lining to hold fur securely.

• Hardware: Durable 316L stainless steel snap button paired with a gold-tone alloy split ring and connector.

Leather Care & Maintenance

• Wipe leather with a soft, dry cloth to maintain its natural finish.

• Avoid prolonged contact with water, perfume, or chemicals, and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Store in the included gift box when not in use.

• Note: Full-grain leather naturally develops a rich patina over time—a characteristic feature of natural leather, not a defect.

Pricing & Shipping Summary

• Standard Locket (Unengraved): RRP A$39.00

• Personalised Locket (With Name Engraving): RRP A$59.00

• Shipping: Free standard shipping on Australian & New Zealand orders over $50 (flat-rate shipping applies for orders under $50).

• International Availability: Currently shipping within Australia and New Zealand only.

Explore the collection online at Pawmoir.

Australia fell head over heels for the Cavoodle during the pandemic. Now those puppies are growing up, and new Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) claims data reveals the illnesses, injuries, and unexpected veterinary costs affecting the nation's much-loved companion.

A cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, the Cavoodle remains Pet Insurance Australia's most popular insured dog breed in 2026*.

Cavoodles have surged in popularity among Australian pet owners, with new Pet Insurance Australia data revealing the breed’s share of active policies has increased by almost 72% since 2019. In December 2019, Cavoodles accounted for 5.25% of PIA’s active policies. Today, they represent 9.01%, highlighting just how dramatically the breed has grown within Australia’s insured dog population.

“The rise of the Cavoodle has been extraordinary,” says Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. “We’ve watched them go from just over five per cent of our active policies in 2019 to around nine per cent today. That’s an increase of almost 72% in their share of our insured pets, and really demonstrates how firmly the Cavoodle has established itself as one of Australia’s favourite dogs.”

“There's no question Australia fell completely in love with the Cavoodle, and during the pandemic we watched their popularity soar,” says Crighton. “Those pandemic puppies aren't puppies anymore. They're growing up, and we're now seeing an interesting picture emerge through the conditions Cavoodle owners are claiming for.”

The $11,600 Cavoodle Claim

PIA's 2026 Cavoodle claims data shows just how quickly veterinary costs can escalate. Flynn the Cavoodle (pictured below) recovering post-surgery after ingesting a fish hook is a prime example of how quickly foreign body ingestions can lead to emergency vet bills. You can read Flynn's full recovery story here.

Traumatic injuries recorded the highest maximum claim at more than $11,600*, followed by heart conditions and tissue trauma/fractures at more than $7,800*.

Gastrointestinal conditions have resulted in maximum claims exceeding $7,600*, while foreign body ingestion has climbed beyond $7,500*.

Cruciate ligament maximum claims have reached more than $6,500*, while allergy claims have reached more than $5,000*.

“What surprised us wasn't one particular condition, but the range,” Crighton says. “We're seeing everything from allergies and ear problems through to cruciate ligament conditions, heart conditions, gastrointestinal problems and significant traumatic injuries.”

Cavoodle Claims at a Glance

Condition	Average Claim	Maximum Claim
Traumatic injury	$700+*	$11,600+*
Heart conditions	$400+*	$7,800+*
Gastrointestinal conditions	$450+*	$7,600+*
Foreign body ingestion	$600+*	$7,500+*
Cruciate ligament	$900+*	$6,500+*
Allergies	$240+*	$5,000+*

Crighton says the difference between an average claim and the highest claims is an important reminder of how dramatically the cost of treating the same broad type of condition can vary.

“An owner might look at an average claim of $600 or $700 and think they could comfortably manage that,” she says. “But when something becomes complicated or requires surgery, diagnostic imaging, hospitalisation or specialist treatment, suddenly you're potentially looking at thousands of dollars.”

More Than a Teddy-Bear Face

With their soft curls, playful personalities, and almost toy-like appearance, Cavoodles have become a fixture in Australian homes. But Crighton says their popularity makes good health education increasingly important.

“The teddy-bear appearance can make the Cavoodle seem almost indestructible, particularly when they're young,” she says. “But they're still dogs. They get sick, they have accidents, they swallow things they shouldn't and, as they grow older, their health needs can change.”

PIA is encouraging Cavoodle owners to become familiar with what's normal for their individual dog and seek veterinary advice when something changes.

Early warning signs that warrant investigation include:

• Persistent limp
• Repeated vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Ongoing scratching or recurring ear problems
• Changes in exercise tolerance or unusual behaviour

Experts also recommend watching for gradual weight loss, an ongoing loss of appetite, persistent changes in your pet’s stools, or any new lumps and bumps—particularly those that appear to be growing or changing in size.

“Knowing about potential health problems isn't about frightening owners or expecting their Cavoodle to become sick,” Crighton says. “It's about recognising changes early and understanding that the tiny puppy you brought home during lockdown is growing up. Their healthcare needs grow with them.”

*PIA Data 2026

Disclaimer / Disclosure:
Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.

Pet parents in Queensland and Victoria have two new destinations for all things pets, with Petstock officially opening new stores on the Sunshine Coast and in Melbourne’s South-East.

Located at the Aura Home & Life Centre in Queensland and on McMahons Road in Frankston, Victoria, both stores are celebrating their arrival with action-packed Grand Opening events on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

What’s In Store for Local Pet Families

Designed to make pet care effortless, both stores bring together everyday pet essentials alongside a full suite of practical, in-store care services:

• Puppy School & Grooming
• DIY Dog Wash
• Pet Adoption & Live Animals
• Pet ID Tags & Water Testing

These grand openings mark another milestone in Petstock’s nationwide growth, creating local jobs while connecting communities with expert advice and lifelong support for pets of all shapes and sizes.

Grand Opening Celebrations

Both stores are inviting locals and their four-legged family members to drop by between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Saturday, 12 September to meet the teams and enjoy family-friendly activities.

Petstock Frankston (VIC)

Inside the new Petstock Frankston store featuring toys, treats, and everyday pet essentials.

• Location: Shop 1, 20–24 McMahons Rd, Frankston
• Event Date & Time: Saturday, 12 September (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
• What to Expect:
  • 20% off almost everything in-store (running all weekend)
  • Free DIY Dog Wash (running all weekend)
  • Animal farm and free popcorn (Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
  • On-site coffee van (Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
  • Pet adoption event with charity partner, Rocky Roads Cat Rescue (Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Petstock Aura (QLD)

Exterior storefront of Petstock Aura at the Aura Home & Life Centre on the Sunshine Coast.

• Location: Tenancy 22, Aura Home & Life Centre, Corner Aura Boulevard & Graf Drive, Baringa
• Event Date & Time: Saturday, 12 September (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
• What to Expect:
  • Part of the wider Aura Home & Life Centre Community Opening Day
  • 20% off almost everything in-store
  • Free DIY Dog Wash
  • Animal farm and family-friendly entertainment

Spacious interior layout and service counters inside the new Petstock Aura store.

About Petstock

Founded in 2002 by brothers David and Shane Young—eleven years after taking ownership of Ballarat Produce in 1991—Petstock is an Australian, family-owned and operated business built on core family values.

Recognised by Canstar Blue as Australia's Most Satisfied Pet Store in 2025, Petstock now features more than 250 stores across Australia and New Zealand. Their complete care ecosystem covers veterinary services, grooming, puppy school, dog daycare, and pet adoption in-store, online, and via the Petstock app. Members can also earn Pet Cash and Everyday Rewards points through the Petstock Rewards program.

Through the Petstock Foundation, 100% of funds raised directly support partner organisations helping advance the bond between pets and people across Australia and New Zealand.

Queensland Invention Introduces "Structural Feeding" Hardware to Keep Raw Bones and Heavy Chews Securely Anchored

Ever get tired of your dog dragging a messy raw bone or long-lasting chew across the carpet, living room rug, or patio furniture? Queensland-based startup Petelli Ventures has unveiled BoneZone®, a modular feeding and chewing system engineered to keep bones, recreation chews, and substantial foods securely anchored in one spot while your dog works away at them.

The idea was born in the Bundaberg region out of a practical frustration many pet parents share: when dogs are given loose bones or large chews, they are forced to brace them against their own paws, floors, or outdoor dirt to get leverage. 

Petelli founder Pete spent years prototyping a physical solution alongside his 42 kg Belgian Malinois, Phoenix. The result is a dedicated hardware station designed to provide stationary "counterforce"—giving dogs a stable base to grip, pull, tear, lick, and gnaw against without the mess or movement.

How the Hardware Works

Built from heavy-duty 6063-T5 extruded aluminium, the BoneZone® is designed to handle powerful chewers and working breeds. Its key features include:

• ☑️ 700mm Clamp-Post: The jaw assembly can be repositioned along the post to accommodate different dogs, food items and installation heights to prevent uncomfortable neck strain.
• ☑️ 5-Face Rotating Jaw System: The rotating jaw wheel incorporates five different gripping profiles allowing the clamp to accommodate a broad range of bone, food and chew shapes.
• ☑️ Modular Mounting: BoneZone® can be installed using either Versatile Wall Mounts or the BaseMount, allowing the Clamp-Post to be secured to a range of structures and locations: e.g. hard floors, outdoor decks, or lawn setups. This keeps messy food items locked to a fixed station for easy post-chew clean-ups and safer supervision.

Beyond the Hardware: "Structural Feeding™"

Alongside the Kickstarter launch, Petelli is introducing what they call a Five-Stage Structural Feeding™ Framework (Assess → Select → Set → Grapple → Check). Rather than prescribing what a dog should eat, the framework encourages owners to carefully assess their dog’s chewing style, choose appropriate items, set up the clamp correctly, and actively supervise changing conditions during the session.

Kickstarter Pledge Tiers & Availability

Petelli officially launched its Kickstarter campaign to help fund its initial production run and bring the apparatus to dog owners nationwide:

• Entry Support Tiers: Backers looking to support the campaign can join from $10–$25 AUD to access the digital framework guides and supporter updates.
• Early Bird Hardware Reward: Kickstarter backers can secure the BoneZone® system from $279 AUD, compared to a planned future retail price of $349 AUD. An optional second jaw assembly is also available for multi-dog configurations.

👉 Want to see the system in action or back the project? Visit the BoneZone Kickstarter Page or check out Petelli Ventures.