A photographic celebration of canine friends at David Roche Gallery this spring

Portraits of paws and personality that capture the timeless bond between people and furry friends will be on display in the inaugural Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize exhibition, opening at the David Roche Gallery from August 30 to October 25.

Lead image: A warm welcome for a baby girl, as two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels lovingly gaze at her. Credit: Jacinta Smith

Professional, amateur and young photographers, and dog lovers, were invited to combine their two interests and capture the essence of the canine spirit. 

From 250 entries nationwide, 80 exceptional finalists have been chosen across the categories of Dog portrait, Dogs and companions, Dogs in action, and Puppies.

A small white terrier runs joyfully across the grass, its hair blowing back in the wind.
Credit: Peggy Man

As the nation’s only biennial art prize dedicated to domestic dogs, it pays homage to the legacy of its founder David Roche AM (1930-2013) who was a canine breeder, exhibitor, judge and art collector. Today, his home Fermoy House is the foundation of not just his art collection, but hundreds of canine show sashes, ribbons, trophies and photographs.

From David’s famous Fermoy Kennels in North Adelaide, his dogs won Best in Show nationally and internationally between the 1950s and the early 2010s. Now, David Roche Gallery has created a prize opportunity to celebrate the important role dogs play in our lives.

Co-judge and Director of David Roche Gallery Robert Reason said the high quality of the photographs was outstanding, making the selection process even more challenging.

A young boy and his chocolate oodle look like they're deep in conversation on the floor rug,
perhaps plotting their next big adventure? Credit: Renee Hughes

“The response to the inaugural prize has been heartening with hundreds of entries and I extend my warm congratulations to the selected finalists exhibited,” he said.

A proud dog mum smiles, surrounded by
her six best friends. Credit: Dean Quinlivan

“Sharing a love of photography, the accompanying finalist statements bring to life the joy, fun and tremendous memories made between people and their dogs.”

Internationally renowned animal photographer and respected co-judge Alex Cearns OAM said she was touched by the passion and dedication each photographer shared through their work.

“Seeing so many joyful representations of dogs reaffirmed for me the love and bond we share with our dogs and the importance of these loyal companions in our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, not just as a judge but as a fellow dog lover,” she said.

Best in Show 2025: Australian Photographic Dog Prize offers a first prize of $5000, and the Young Photographer (12-18 years) a prize of $500. 

Visitors to the exhibition decide the People’s Choice Award of $500. A fully illustrated ‘dogalogue’ accompanies the exhibition.

An Australian Shepherd with its tongue curling towards its nose. Credit: Julie Brown

What: Best in Show 2025 | Australian Photographic Dog Prize

Where: David Roche Gallery, 241 Melbourne St, North Adelaide

When: Saturday 30 August – Saturday 25 October - open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm (closed Sundays, Mondays, Public Holidays)

Cost: Adult $12 | Concession $10 | DRG Member $9 | Children U12 Free

This small dog is perfectly in its element, nestled among the rich colours of the autumn leaves.
Credit: Emma Wood

Upcoming dog-related events:

• Thursday 18 September, 6pm: Dogs in Australian art with Steven Miller 
• Saturday 20 September, 10am–4pm: Bring Your Dog Day to DRG 
• Thursday 9 October, 6pm: Paint & Sip with pet sketch artist Ivana Prophet

Additional information:

David Roche Gallery Fermoy House tours: 10am, 12noon, 2pm (must be prebooked online)

Cost: Adult: $20 | Concession $17 (includes entry to Best in Show 2025 exhibition)

For more information and events, visit rochegallery.com.au

Some dogs fetch balls. Others fetch independence.

In honour of National Service Dog Month (September), we're celebrating the incredible work of assistance dogs and therapy dogs and the people who train them.

To help us understand their life-changing impact, we've turned to the experts at Flying Paws Dog Training in Tasmania, Pat and Molly. With over a decade of experience, they are dedicated to building powerful partnerships between humans and dogs. They specialise in training and supporting working dogs that provide crucial assistance and comfort, making them the perfect guides to explore how these remarkable animals are changing lives across Australia every single day.

They guide, comfort, alert, and sometimes save lives in ways most of us will never see. Behind every team is a dog whose training, loyalty, and heart to do their job makes the impossible possible. Let’s discover how these remarkable partnerships are changing lives.

As trainers, we’ve always been about more than just training dogs. We’re about building partnerships. The kind where the bond between humans and dogs is so strong, it changes everyday life for the better. Recently one area of our work has grown into something deeply special: helping train, assess, and support dogs who work alongside people in a range of life-changing roles.

Assistance Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs

When people hear "Service Dog," they often picture a single type of working dog. But there are many different roles, each with its own purpose, training, and impact. The main two are Assistance Dogs and Therapy Dogs.

The difference is: an Assistance Dog is trained for one person’s specific needs, while a Therapy Dog is trained to help many people feel joy, comfort, or support.

Both roles are powerful and needed in different ways, and both require the individual dog to have the right temperament, skills, and bond to ultimately succeed.

What Are Assistance Dogs?

Assistance Dogs Matte and Kitsune are all smiles!

Assistance Dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that alleviate diagnosed disabilities to make their handler’s life easier and safer. Assistance Dogs are trained to help alleviate symptoms for people living with diagnosed physical or mental disabilities, or medical conditions. 

They perform specific tasks to help their handler’s daily needs like retrieving dropped items, providing confidence and reassurance in difficult situations, or even alerting to medical changes like low blood sugar or seizures.

Assistance Dogs provide practical, medical, and emotional support for their handlers in public. Their work might include:

• Picking up dropped items.

• Providing deep pressure therapy to reduce anxiety.

• Alerting to medical conditions.

• Navigating environments safely.

• Giving handlers confidence in otherwise challenging situations.

Unlike emotional support animals or pets, Assistance Dogs, whether in training or fully qualified, have full public access rights under Australian law, meaning they can accompany their handler almost anywhere the public is allowed, from supermarkets to public transport to workplaces.

Assistance Dog Bear during her
Public Access Training

Training an Assistance Dog is a long-term commitment and often takes 12–24 months or more depending on the individual team. It involves:

• Initial evaluation for the dog’s suitability to be an Assistance Dog.

• Public Access Training to ensure the dog can remain calm, focused, and well-mannered in all public situations.

• Task training to teach a dog the specific skills that directly help the handler.

We work closely with our clients throughout this process. Step-by-step we tailor each session to the human’s individual needs, their dog’s personality, and their goals. And the results are nothing short of life changing.

Meet Missy, the Toy Cavoodle

One of our proudest moments as Assistance Dog trainers has come through watching the journey of Missy, a toy Cavoodle with a huge heart and job that far outweighs her size! Her handler Traci shared their story:

“Missy is a toy Cavoodle who is my constant companion. We progressed through the Assistance Dog training with Flying Paws, and she now has full public access to accompany me regardless of where I am. 

Toy Cavoodle Missy before her PAT
(Public Access Test) assessment

I have learned so much from Pat and Molly at Flying Paws during our sessions together, and I have a better understanding of Missy and her cues and needs.

Having Missy with me has changed my life in too many ways to express. She is a help to me every day, and I rely on her so much. I can’t imagine how I would do life without her!”

Missy’s journey, like so many Assistance Dog journeys', wasn’t just about learning to behave in a public space. It was about building the confidence, skills, and trust that both she and Traci needed to face the world together. 

Today, Missy is more than a pet, she’s a lifeline and a testament that breed and size aren’t a limitation to this type of work. It all depends on the individual dog and their unique temperament.

The Do’s and Do Not’s When You See an Assistance Dog in Public

Seeing an Assistance Dog out and about can be exciting but it’s important to understand that these dogs are working and doing an important job, even if they might not look like they’re “on duty” in the traditional sense.

Here’s how you can make life easier and safer for both the dog and their handler:

Do…

• Give the handler and dog space: Think of their jacket like an invisible “do not disturb” sign. Most jackets will say do not distract or do not pat!

• Admire from a distance: Handlers often rely on having their dog’s full attention, intruding on this can cause stress for the person and distraction for the dog.

• Teach your Children: Early education about respecting assistance dogs helps build understanding for the future.

Don’t…

• Pat or call the dog: Even the most experienced dog can get distracted from their important job.

• Ask intrusive questions: If someone wants to share about their disability or why they have an assistance dog, they will. Asking directly is confrontational and puts people in uncomfortable situations.

• Let your own dog run up: Always keep your dog on lead and under control in public.

Why it matters

Every time an assistance dog gets distracted, their handler’s safety and independence can be affected. Whether that means missing a medical alert or the person or dog losing confidence in public, it can have real-world consequences and set back months if not years of work. Respecting their space helps these teams work together effectively and ensures assistance dogs can keep changing lives.

What Are Therapy Dogs?

Maremma Murphy and Border Collie Zani

Therapy Dogs provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support in various community environments like hospitals, aged care homes, schools, and even a psychologist's office or courts.

Unlike Assistance Dogs that are trained for one person's specific needs, Therapy Dogs work with multiple people in structured environments to bring calm, joy, and connection. They are not granted public access rights like assistance dogs, but they work alongside their handlers to create positive, uplifting experiences for the people they visit.

Whether it’s supporting a nervous child before they read or simply bringing comfort to others, these dogs are essential partners in their community. 

Studies are increasingly showing how they can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve mood. While they aren't a replacement for medical or mental health professionals, they are becoming a powerful tool for promoting emotional well-being.

The Impact of Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dogs aren’t meant to be a replacement for trained medical or mental health professionals, but they are becoming an increasingly powerful bridge between connection and emotional well-being. Studies are increasingly showing how they can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve mood.

Meet Yogi the Border Collie

Yogi's handler and teacher Nadine 
with Yogi

A great example of this work is Yogi, the newly appointed support dog at Latrobe High School. 

Since his arrival, Yogi has quickly become a beloved figure, bringing comfort, connection, and calm to students and staff.

With his gentle nature and intuitive presence, he has been a steady source of emotional support for students navigating the challenges of adolescence, academic pressure, and personal struggles. 

His presence is a reminder that kindness and empathy can be felt in the simplest gestures, whether it’s a quiet moment of companionship during a tough day or a joyful wag of the tail in the schoolyard.

As Nadine, Yogi’s handler and a teacher at the school, explains:
“Yogi has a way of grounding students. Students who might otherwise struggle to engage are more open and relaxed when he’s around.”

Yogi’s role is part of Latrobe High School’s wellbeing initiatives, demonstrating how animal-assisted therapy can enrich educational environments and improve mental health outcomes for young people.

So Why Do These Programs Matter?

Whether talking about Assistance Dogs or Therapy Dogs, they all have something in common: these dogs are changing human lives in profound ways.

For individuals with some form of physical or mental disabilities, an Assistance Dog can mean experiencing independence, increasing safety, and allowing confidence in public.

For patients and staff in hospital or residents in aged care, a Therapy Dog visit can bring joy, create comfort, and a sense of connection.

For children learning to read, a dog can transform reading from a stressful task into an activity they look forward to.

And at the centre of all of it? A strong bond between humans and dogs. A bond that is built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. For us, that’s exactly what we’ve always believed living and working with dogs should be about at its core.

Even Working Dogs Need Downtime

No matter what their role, working dogs can give so much of themselves to their role and the people they support. But the most important thing for any working dog? Time to just be a dog.

That means time off “work”, to sniff the grass or nap in the sun, and be able to enjoy life without the pressure of being “on duty.” Downtime is essential for a dog's mental and emotional wellbeing and it’s also what helps them stay sharp and enjoy their job when they return to work. These incredible animals aren’t just workers, but they’re also companions and loved family members.

Looking Ahead

This National Service Dog Month, we invite you to learn more about what goes into raising and training these life changing dogs and the support they offer the people they work with. 

We are committed to building dogs that don’t just follow cues, but who understand, support, and truly partner with their human, no matter what their job is. It’s the most rewarding work we could imagine and we’re proud to be part of every step in that journey.

Whether you’re curious about the process, thinking about whether your dog might be suited to service work, or simply want to celebrate these incredible animals, we’d love to connect with you.

Learn more at www.flyingpaws.com.au

written by Pat and Molly, Flying Paws Dog Training, August 2025 for Australian Dog Lover.

Enjoyed this story? Don't miss out on more great content from the team at Flying Paws Dog Training. Follow them on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyingpawsdogtraining 

Instagram: @flyingpawsdogtraining

Image Credit: lead photo (Pat & Molly with their dogs Zani, Murphy & Foxby -Puppy Tales Photography, all others by Flying Paws Dog Training

About our writers

Pat & Molly with therapy dog Yogi

Pat and Molly are dog trainers and the founders of Flying Paws Dog Training in Tasmania, and are the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards winners in the Pet Training Services category. 

With a combined experience of nearly 30 years, they are certified Family Dog Mediators® and use positive, force-free training methods grounded in scientific principles.

Pat, the owner, trainer, and behaviourist, has over 17 years of experience. Her passion for training began with her first Border Collies, Rily and Tana, and she founded Flying Paws in 2014.

Molly, a trainer, behaviourist, and brand manager, has over eight years of experience. Her journey began with her Maremma, Murphy, and she started assisting with classes in 2018.

Both are dedicated to building a strong bond between dogs and their families, ensuring training is effective, fun, and tailored to real-life situations.

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Guide Dog pups hit Sydney beaches to launch Seek and Snap Donation Dog competition

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is celebrating International Dog Day (Tuesday 26th August) by launching the Seek and Snap Donation Dog competition, a fun state-wide scavenger hunt to honour their iconic fundraising companions.

Seek and Snap Competition

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is inviting the public to become a Donation Dog detective and take part in Seek and Snap, an ultimate scavenger hunt that is free to join. The competition runs for over six weeks, making it the perfect activity for the school holidays.

How to Participate

Participants will receive a series of fun picture challenges, from wrapping a Donation Dog in a cosy scarf to styling them with sunglasses or a hat. There are prizes for Best Story, Most Locations Visited, and Best Photo, so it's a great opportunity to get creative.

Celebrating a Legacy

For more than 50 years, Donation Dogs have been a beloved symbol of community generosity, standing in shopfronts and supermarkets to raise funds for people with low vision or blindness. 

The Seek and Snap initiative celebrates their heritage and ongoing impact.

According to Alex Murphy, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT's Donation Dog Specialist, these pups are "nostalgic icons" that have taught many Australians their first lessons in giving. Even in the digital age, this type of fundraising remains a vital channel for funding life-changing services.

“This International Dog Day, we’re inviting everyone to get involved, join the fun and help us celebrate the beloved Donation Dog.”

Launching the Mission

To kick off the competition on International Dog Day, Gulliver, the 5-meter-tall Guide Dogs mascot, will make special appearances at iconic Sydney beaches. Gulliver will be at Clovelly Bowling Club from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., followed by Manly Beach at 2:15 p.m.

Sydneysiders are welcome to join the fun, learn more about the competition, and even get a chance to pat some cute pups and take their first photos.

The Impact of Your Contribution

The funds raised by the Donation Dogs have a direct and tangible impact on people's lives. Sibylla, a Guide Dogs Client, shared how her Guide Dog Velvet has transformed her life, giving her back her independence.

“She is my first Guide Dog and before we were matched, I felt like my world was shrinking and I was becoming so isolated.”

“Velvet opened my world up. Things became so much easier and more enjoyable.”

“None of this would have been possible without the generosity of the community. Every single coin dropped into a Donation Dog helps make matches like ours a reality, and I'll always be grateful for the independence that support has given me,” she said.

To learn more and sign up to the competition visit the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT website here.

A Gentle Goodbye: Pet Photography

The quiet kind of heartbreak that comes before goodbye is a heavy grief. It shows up in soft, almost invisible ways, in a dog who no longer runs to the door, a cat who now only sleeps in the sunniest spot or a horse whose coat has dulled with age and no longer lifts its head when you call its name.

As a pet photographer, I've dedicated my work to helping families navigate this tender in-between stage. With September marking both National Pet Memorial Month and with Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day (August 28) upon us, it’s a time when many of us pause to remember the pets who’ve shaped our lives.

My name is Bree, and through my business, Bree Ruby Photography, I specialise in end-of-life pet photography. My mission is to help families turn their grief into something they can hold onto—a tangible reminder of a love that will never fade. With over a decade of experience as a veterinary nurse, I bring both compassion and calm to these emotional moments. I'm here to capture the stories and celebrate the lives of our beloved companions before they cross the Rainbow Bridge. 

A Gentle Goodbye session offers families a chance to slow down and honour the life of their beloved pet.

The Role of Anticipatory Grief

When people book an end-of-life session, they are often already grieving even though their pet is still with them. This "anticipatory grief" can be confusing and isolating. Friends and family might not understand why you’re mourning when your pet is still alive, but that aching feeling and the fear of what’s to come is real and valid.

My role is to hold space for that pain, to honour it, and to create something meaningful that families can treasure even after their pet has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. These sessions are not about pretending everything is okay. It’s about capturing the real, raw moments of love that still exist and always will.

While many assume these sessions are depressing, I see them differently. There is so much joy in these moments. We laugh, share stories about their pet's life, and spoil them with treats and cuddles. It becomes a celebration of everything that made them special. Each session is unique, often including something special to that pet, like a last trip in the car, playing with a beloved toy, or sitting in their cosy spot in the garden.

Creating a Tangible Memory

In a world of fleeting phone snaps, professional images have a different weight. My photographs are printed, framed, and held. When the goodbye finally comes, those images become something to hold onto—proof of the love, the bond, and the life shared.

Seeing the photos for the first time is often an emotional moment for families. I've had people tell me their images became a lifeline in the weeks after their pet passed, a tangible reminder of love that didn’t end with the goodbye. For many, these images help turn overwhelming grief into something they can hold, look at, and remember with a bittersweet kind of joy. It’s a quiet healing process that happens slowly but deeply.

Not every photographer understands the delicate nature of these sessions. It requires more than technical skill; it takes empathy, patience, and a deep respect for what families are going through. My background as a veterinary nurse means I recognise when a pet is in pain or tired, and I tailor each session to their needs. This isn’t a typical photoshoot; it’s a special moment that deserves specialist care.

Inside an End-of-Life Session

My sessions are as stress-free as possible. I always ask where the pet feels most comfortable—often it’s at home, in their favourite sunny corner or on their special bed. We go at their pace with no pressure and no posing. I bring a gentle presence that helps everyone exhale. 

“I’ve held paws, wiped tears, and sat in silence when needed. I know when to click the shutter and when to just be.” 

I am more than just a photographer; I'm a support person in the room. Families often open up during the session, talking about their first day together, their pet's funny quirks, and the hard decisions ahead. I listen with compassion and hold space for those conversations. 

The images range from soft close-ups of greying muzzles to candid moments between pets and their people. I focus on connection. It’s not about perfection; it’s about real, raw moments.

One client shared, “I’m so glad you allowed me the opportunity to make those memories with him before he passed. I’ve struggled with his death more than I could have ever expected, and just being able to look back on that day and the photos you took mean everything to me.” 

It’s moments like these that remind me why this work matters. It’s about helping people find something to hold onto when their world starts to fall apart.

Beyond Photography: Other Ways to Remember

Bree's work is a perfect example of why National Pet Memorial Month matters. It validates the grief that often goes unseen and offers a proactive way to honour that bond before it's too late. Our animals are family. They've been there through breakups, seen our families grow, and supported us through mental health struggles and daily life. Of course it's grief, and it’s worthy of acknowledgment.

While photography is a powerful tool, I also encourage families to memorialise their pets in other meaningful ways:

• Create a memory box filled with collars, paw prints, letters, and photos.

• Plant a tree or flower in their favourite spot.

• Write a letter to your pet, saying everything you need to say.

• Donate to a rescue group or shelter in their name.

• Have custom artwork made or frame a favourite photo.

• Light a candle for them.

These memorial ideas aren't about "moving on"—they’re about moving forward while carrying their memory with us. When families open up about their loss, it helps break the silence around pet loss grief and creates a community of support where others can feel less alone.

Final Thoughts

The goodbye may be inevitable, but the memory doesn’t have to fade. End-of-life pet photography is more than just pictures; it’s an act of love. 

It’s a way of celebrating your pet and the life you shared—a chance to say, “You mattered. You were loved. And you always will be.”

My dream is to create a space where grief is met with kindness, where memories are treasured, and where love is never forgotten. I want people to feel comfortable sharing their journey with their pet and not to feel judged by others who don’t understand the pet loss grief journey. "Grief can feel so lonely, but when we take time to remember and celebrate our pets, that love becomes a lasting comfort."

written by Bree of Bree Ruby Photography, August 2025 for Australian Dog Lover.

All photos in this article are by Bree Ruby Photography. 

About our writer 

Bree is an end-of-life pet photographer based in Melbourne. With over a decade of experience as a veterinary nurse, she offers compassionate, grief-informed sessions for families navigating the final chapter with their beloved pets. 

Bree spent many of her years as a vet nurse in a specialist oncology clinic, where she saw the heartbreak of pet loss and wished she could do more. 

Photography became that "more," allowing her to continue helping families through the most difficult goodbyes in a creative and lasting way. Her background in animal health is a major differentiator; she understands the clinical side of a pet’s decline as well as the emotional side. 

This unique combination makes her exceptionally equipped to work with senior and terminal pets in a way that is safe, kind, and respectful. Through her photography, she helps transform heartache into legacy. 

Connect with Bree at www.breerubyphotography.com.

Follow Bree on Facebook or @bree_ruby_photography on Instagram 

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Is My Pet In Pain?

Dr. Courtney Prue, founder and lead veterinarian at Rest Your Paws, writes that pain is one of the most common and misunderstood factors affecting the quality of life in senior pets. 

Our pets can’t tell us when something hurts, and often the signs will be subtle and easy to miss—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering.

As pet owners, we share an unspoken bond with our furry companions built on unconditional love and comfortable daily routines. Yet, this same deep connection can sometimes make it difficult to recognise when our beloved pets are struggling. The animals that bring us such joy are remarkably stoic, often suffering in silence until their discomfort becomes unbearable.

Recognising the Signs

Understanding why pets conceal their discomfort is the first step to becoming a more observant guardian. In the wild, showing weakness makes animals vulnerable to predators, so evolution has equipped our pets with remarkable abilities to mask pain and illness. This survival instinct doesn't disappear simply because they're safe in our homes.

The early signs of pain are often missed or dismissed as ‘just getting older.’ At first, your older dog may simply be sleeping more. Maybe they aren’t as excited for walks or have started needing help getting into the car. But they’re still eating and still wagging their tail, just a bit slower and quieter.

Over time, these subtle signs might become harder to ignore. Your dog might begin limping after short walks or seem stiff after naps. They might stop jumping up on the couch, avoid stairs, or tense up when touched. Maybe they begin panting more, pacing at night, or retreating to quiet corners of the house.

Pets are incredibly stoic. Cats, especially, are masters at masking pain. Rather than vocalising, they’ll change their behaviour by hiding under beds, avoiding affection, becoming less active, or grooming less. You may notice their coat becoming dull or matted, their eyes more squinty, their ears pinned back, or a subtle tenseness when touched.

We hear it all the time: “Oh, he’s just slowing down.” 

But the truth is, around 80% of dogs over the age of eight, and cats over twelve, suffer from painful osteoarthritis. Many are simply too sore to move like they used to.

A Real-Life Story: Mia’s Journey

Megan from Campbelltown experienced this first-hand when she noticed her 15-year-old chocolate Labrador, Mia, had started experiencing weakness in her hind legs and was struggling to walk. 

Wanting to get the best care possible for Mia, Megan contacted Rest Your Paws to organise a full at-home consultation with one of their experienced vets, Dr. Anna. 

During this visit, Dr. Anna took blood and urine samples, recommended new medications to help Mia’s condition, and provided Megan with rehabilitation exercises designed to help build Mia’s strength.

Megan and Tim with their Labradors

Between March and August, Megan and her husband, Tim, remained in close contact with Dr. Anna. Rather than putting Mia through the stress of repeated clinic visits, they were able to rely on compassionate, personalised care from home.

Through regular phone calls and emails, Dr. Anna guided them through new challenges as they arose—such as how to deal with an eye infection—and a follow-up home visit allowed her to adjust Mia’s plan and ensure she stayed comfortable.

When Mia’s health continued declining and the time came to discuss palliative care and at-home euthanasia, Megan knew she could turn to the full support, compassion, and guidance from Dr. Anna and the Rest Your Paws team to do what was best for Mia’s quality of life.

Assessing Your Pet’s Pain and Quality of Life

When a family comes to us, we guide them through a pain scoring tool and Quality of Life Assessment. For many, it’s the first time they can see the full picture, not just as isolated behaviours, but as a consistent pattern of discomfort.

With that clarity, they can make informed choices: starting additional treatments and medications, palliative care, or preparing for a peaceful goodbye. Either way, they feel empowered to act with compassion, rather than uncertainty.

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is, “I’ll know it’s time when they stop eating.” 

While appetite changes can be a sign of declining health, they are often one of the last things to go. If you wait for this one sign alone, you may miss the window where you could have prevented your pet’s suffering.

While pain is a major indicator of declining quality of life, it's not the only factor to consider. 

A comprehensive Quality of Life Assessment examines three key areas: physical, emotional, and social well-being.

• Physical considerations: Your pet's ability to breathe comfortably, eat and drink normally, move around independently, and sleep restfully. Are they reluctant to be handled? Do they struggle to find comfortable positions?

• Emotional factors: Mental stimulation, personality changes, anxiety levels, and overall happiness. Has your once-social pet become withdrawn? Are they showing signs of frustration or distress?

• Social elements: Interactions with family members and other pets, their ability to maintain normal routines, and their engagement with their environment.

Try writing down the top five things your pet loves to do. When they can no longer enjoy most of them, it may be time to talk to your vet about their comfort and next steps. If you’ve started noticing changes, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.

Rest Your Paws has many online resources, including a downloadable Pain Scoring Tool to help you track how your pet is feeling over time. This can be especially helpful when symptoms are subtle or seem to fluctuate.

Understanding Palliative Care and Euthanasia

One of the biggest misunderstandings I encounter in my job is around palliative care for pets. Unlike human palliative care, which often focuses on extending life while managing symptoms, veterinary palliative care prioritises comfort and quality of life above longevity. 

It's about reducing symptoms, improving comfort, and maintaining dignity for whatever time remains—not about pursuing treatments that might extend life at the expense of wellbeing.

This is perhaps the most important misconception about euthanasia. Gentle euthanasia (from the Greek eu ‘good’ and thanatos ‘death’) is not a harmful or distressing act. It’s a peaceful, pain-free process that allows your pet to pass in their sleep, surrounded by love.

There is no ‘perfect time’ for this decision, and seeking one often creates unnecessary pressure and confusion for you and your family. Instead, there's a window where euthanasia becomes appropriate to prevent suffering. Making this decision before suffering occurs, while emotionally challenging, is the kindest gift we can offer our companions.

Remember that you're not alone in this journey. Veterinarians trained in palliative and end-of-life care are available to help you interpret symptoms, assess quality of life, and navigate these difficult decisions. We're here to provide professional guidance, support, and most importantly, to give you permission to prioritise your pet's comfort over your own wish for them to hold on.

At Rest Your Paws, we believe it’s one of the greatest acts of love you can offer a companion who has given you their all.

written by Dr. Courtney Prue, from Rest Your Paws, August 2025, for Australian Dog Lover.

For more information, visit https://restyourpaws.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restyourpawsau | Instagram: @restyourpawsau

About our writer

Dr. Courtney Prue is the founder and lead veterinarian at Rest Your Paws, a service dedicated to providing compassionate, in-home palliative care and euthanasia for senior and terminally ill pets in Australia.

After years of working in traditional veterinary clinics, Dr. Prue identified a need for more comprehensive end-of-life support for pets and their families. As a certified hospice and palliative care veterinarian, she focuses on improving a pet's comfort and dignity in their final stages of life.

Her goal is to empower pet owners to make informed decisions and ensure a peaceful, loving farewell for their beloved companions. She also works to raise the standard of end-of-life care within the veterinary industry by providing training and resources to other professionals.

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