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RESCUE"},{"term":"ANIMAL WELFATRE"},{"term":"AUSTRALIAN MADE WEEK"},{"term":"BEST OF"},{"term":"BLIND DOGS"},{"term":"BOXER"},{"term":"BRACHYCEPHALIC"},{"term":"CAMPLIFY"},{"term":"CANCELLED EVENTS"},{"term":"CANINE LYMPHONA"},{"term":"CHRISTMAS BOX"},{"term":"COBBER CHALLENGE"},{"term":"COST OF LIVING"},{"term":"DACHSHUND"},{"term":"DINGO"},{"term":"DOG ACTORS"},{"term":"DOG COSTUMES"},{"term":"DOG MOTION SICKNESS"},{"term":"DOG SUBSCRIPTION BOX"},{"term":"DOG WALKERS"},{"term":"EXHIBITION"},{"term":"FARM DOGS"},{"term":"FITPAWS"},{"term":"GENETICS"},{"term":"GIFT GUIDE"},{"term":"HEART DISEASE"},{"term":"HEARTWORM"},{"term":"HERO STORIES"},{"term":"HOMELESS"},{"term":"MELBOURNE"},{"term":"MOST POPULAR"},{"term":"MUSIC THERAPY"},{"term":"MUSICAL"},{"term":"NATIONAL LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH"},{"term":"OLD EVENTS"},{"term":"OLD REVIEWS"},{"term":"ORGANIC"},{"term":"PET BOARDING"},{"term":"PET EXPOS"},{"term":"PET MINDING"},{"term":"PET STROLLERS"},{"term":"PETS \u0026 PLANTS"},{"term":"PETSTOCK PAST EVENTS"},{"term":"REACTIVITY"},{"term":"REGULATIONS"},{"term":"REHABILITATION"},{"term":"RESCUE DOGS"},{"term":"SASH"},{"term":"SEEING EYE DOGS"},{"term":"STANDARDS"},{"term":"STORY DOGS"},{"term":"SURVEY"},{"term":"TELEHEALTH"},{"term":"TOILET TRAINING"},{"term":"TREATS"},{"term":"TRENDS"},{"term":"US APP"},{"term":"WET FOOD"},{"term":"WILLS"},{"term":"WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"Australian Dog Lover is the No.1 digital monthly magazine and website for dog lovers everywhere. We cover Dog Health, Dog Nutrition, Dog Behaviour; Dog Training Advice, Dog Events, the latest Dog Products and Services in Australia, Dog Product Reviews, Lifestyle, Gift Guides, Rescue Dog Stories, Dog Lovers Book Club etc."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/-\/THERAPY+DOGS?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=6"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/search\/label\/THERAPY%20DOGS"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/-\/THERAPY+DOGS\/-\/THERAPY+DOGS?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=7\u0026max-results=6"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"13"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"6"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-2390350859816512246"},"published":{"$t":"2023-10-04T13:52:00.000+11:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-10-04T13:52:08.226+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"GUIDE DOGS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NEWS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"THERAPY DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Therapy Dog Poppy sworn into Australian Federal Court "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh2L-J3-wmI9C4K8Zusqrq9YGKlrLdBfN0N-sTIx4MJAqf1SURt9Gokd7YvoY1oRPt1blrYnIfIZ3Ko2__yNGJTLaqRfbu75J1xHON-7V8RVEq7Iq4xOIh7mb_2_TKu3yufzPyGWLM9SVsL-QOz1F6JmPOUNFGPai9RRXjxVHBz-v5meeFtgMeNNVSC2bo\/s1850\/Therapy_Dog_%20Poppy_sworn_%20into_the_Federal_Circuit_and_Family_Court_of_Australia.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1454\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh2L-J3-wmI9C4K8Zusqrq9YGKlrLdBfN0N-sTIx4MJAqf1SURt9Gokd7YvoY1oRPt1blrYnIfIZ3Ko2__yNGJTLaqRfbu75J1xHON-7V8RVEq7Iq4xOIh7mb_2_TKu3yufzPyGWLM9SVsL-QOz1F6JmPOUNFGPai9RRXjxVHBz-v5meeFtgMeNNVSC2bo\/s16000\/Therapy_Dog_%20Poppy_sworn_%20into_the_Federal_Circuit_and_Family_Court_of_Australia.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003ETherapy Dog Poppy’s ‘woof of honour’ as she is sworn into the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the Courts) have today launched the \u003Cb\u003ECourt Dog Program\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThanks to the support and generosity of the Victorian Bar and the Victorian Bar Foundation, Therapy Dog Poppy, a fully trained court facility dog from \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs Victoria\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, will commence full time work with the Courts from the 4th of October by assisting litigants and children who are involved in family law proceedings in the Courts’ Melbourne registry. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EFamilies engaged in court proceedings often experience a variety of stressors that can be exacerbated in the legal setting. Therapy dogs like Poppy can provide comfort and emotional support to people in the justice system, give a sense of normalcy, assist with facilitating communication, provide a healthy distraction from a trauma response and a physical source of calming touch.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh7hITGnwt0HDDMDSFsBQT8sXKXeI8Be-YOPoSExSJufKszPU312N9F0bpHt6mcWw8VHBbNidXQX0jTbhjEXGmkDEFTlVGj1NdPIWvxf3e4X6PGjyBxES48F-W0qytGL70oG3rtB6zBNWRYtm4FztE94htd3n6HOK4gZZRDC-3OYhqajQ_t3gzzUufSz_8\/s1850\/Therapy_%20Dog_Poppy_from_Guide_Dogs_Victoria_sworn_in_on_October_4_as_part_of_Court_Dog_Program.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1345\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh7hITGnwt0HDDMDSFsBQT8sXKXeI8Be-YOPoSExSJufKszPU312N9F0bpHt6mcWw8VHBbNidXQX0jTbhjEXGmkDEFTlVGj1NdPIWvxf3e4X6PGjyBxES48F-W0qytGL70oG3rtB6zBNWRYtm4FztE94htd3n6HOK4gZZRDC-3OYhqajQ_t3gzzUufSz_8\/s16000\/Therapy_%20Dog_Poppy_from_Guide_Dogs_Victoria_sworn_in_on_October_4_as_part_of_Court_Dog_Program.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EPoppy will be able to provide support to court users in several settings such as in the courtroom, court foyer and waiting areas, mediation rooms, and during Court Children Services interviews of parents and children. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe Courts conducted a pilot program between November 2022 and February 2023 which involved Court Dog Lucy, who was generously loaned to the Courts by the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions. Of those who were surveyed about the pilot, 100% of respondents agreed that: \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EHaving a court facility dog in the building was positive. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThey\/their client felt supported by the presence of a court facility dog. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EIf they\/their client attended court again, they would like the ability to request the support of a court facility dog. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe Hon Will Alstergren AO, Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia explains the positive impact Poppy will have on people who engage with the court system. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“The Courts are extremely pleased to welcome Poppy as our official Court Therapy Dog. This is the first time that a therapy or facility dog has been used in Australian federal courts, and backed by behavioural science and the experiences of Courts all around the world, the benefits to litigants will be significant. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EA professionally trained facility dog can provide support to people experiencing stress and offer a positive and calming distraction to an overwhelming situation. Poppy will help the court experience be more trauma-sensitive and enable people to find their voice, furthering the administration of justice. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EOur Hobart registry is preparing for Court Dog Zoey to commence later in the year, and I am confident that these programs will be extended nationally in the near future. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWe are extremely thankful to \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs Victoria\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E and the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVictorian Bar Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E for their incredible support for this initiative, I am very pleased to honorarily ‘swear in’ Poppy to the Courts today. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiTu0pUO7ws0Z8g4eeTuUl1lwt5tRoUx3jFNOeK3U4pzAXGvpDxwYC63VX1jyVsenzSQWy_Uh1RBe7XU3qhQy9Tt9YrNGk9ljBiecpX1powa1sVl28BWJ9BRBBkvmRAMfDVENBKvwgueHKIRGRyY7_JMtpAlhXtFsZaMCnrPfE5-RexUbW9aja7tU4n3F4\/s1657\/Guide_Dogs_Victoria_Therapy_Dog_Poppy_sworn_into_Court_Dog_Program_starting_from_4th_October_2023.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1657\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiTu0pUO7ws0Z8g4eeTuUl1lwt5tRoUx3jFNOeK3U4pzAXGvpDxwYC63VX1jyVsenzSQWy_Uh1RBe7XU3qhQy9Tt9YrNGk9ljBiecpX1powa1sVl28BWJ9BRBBkvmRAMfDVENBKvwgueHKIRGRyY7_JMtpAlhXtFsZaMCnrPfE5-RexUbW9aja7tU4n3F4\/w290-h400\/Guide_Dogs_Victoria_Therapy_Dog_Poppy_sworn_into_Court_Dog_Program_starting_from_4th_October_2023.jpg\" width=\"290\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EDr Russell Harrison, General Manager Dog and Vision Services at Guide Dogs Victoria sheds light on the pivotal role Therapy Dogs can play in our society. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Not every Guide Dog puppy is suited to becoming a fully qualified Guide Dog. Some dogs like Poppy have the perfect nature and training to offer support as a Therapy Dog, placed in unique situations to provide companionship and offer emotional support to those in need. I have worked with Poppy to ensure she up to the task, and I know she will have an incredibly positive impact on the wellbeing of people navigating the Family Court system.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe Victorian Bar Foundation’s Chairman, the Hon. John Digby KC, comments that the Victorian Bar Foundation is both proud and delighted to support Poppy, the Family Court’s inaugural Therapy Dog. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“The Victorian Bar Foundation is confident that Poppy will be a supportive and calming presence within the Court for those Victorian families facing the difficult and stressful experience of a family law dispute. We believe Poppy is a most worthwhile initiative of Chief Justice Alstergren AO KC and the Federal Circuit and Family Court.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout the Victorian Bar Foundation\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Victorian Bar Foundation is the Victorian Bar’s not for profit charitable organisation. The Victorian Bar Foundation works to promote a number of causes in the community, including supporting the provision of legal education, providing information about the legal system, the role of barristers in the legal system and the role of law in society.  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E  \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout Guide Dogs Australia\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGuide Dogs Australia is a brand that represents Australia’s state and territory-based Guide Dogs organisations. Guide Dogs delivers a range of essential services to children, teenagers, adults, and older Australians who are blind or have low vision, helping them to lead a life of their choosing and reach their individual goals. Alongside Guide Dogs Victoria’s mission to assist people with low vision or blindness gain the freedom and independence to move safely and confidently around their communities, they also provide Therapy Dogs. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout Therapy Dogs\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile best known for matching Guide Dogs to people with low vision or blindness, the organisation also works to place Therapy Dogs with people who experience mental or physical health conditions, or those suffering from isolation caused by age or illness. Therapy Dogs can be placed with individuals or in facilities such as schools, nursing homes, psychologists, counsellors, rehabilitation clinics and even courtrooms to provide companionship and emotional support. As such, we specially select dogs for these programs that are skilled at providing a sense of calm and comfort.  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFacility Dogs are special types of Therapy Dogs that are trained to work in a particular place with a Handler. Facility Dogs can support people by: \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003Eproviding a point of conversation and helping people to engage;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u0026nbsp;offering support to people who may feel isolated or uncomfortable in the situation or facility;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003Ecreating a distraction from any negative feelings and reducing stress or anxiety.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003EIt’s important to know that Therapy Dogs are not considered ‘Assistance Dogs’, which means they’re not trained to provide specific health supports. However, thanks to their unique skills—and the fact they’ve usually been through a large part of the formal Guide Dog training program—Therapy Dogs are fully qualified to offer comfort, loyalty, friendship, and love to people with all kinds of conditions and abilities.  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor more information, or to view dog placement criteria and apply for a Therapy Dog, visit the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/vic.guidedogs.com.au\/therapy-dogs\/?_gl=1*1f7zo5n*_ga*NDYzOTM2MTc3LjE2ODg0NDYzODM.*_ga_QLMK8LJMRM*MTY5NTc3NjUyNC40OC4xLjE2OTU3NzY1MzEuNTMuMC4w\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EGuide Dogs Victoria’s website\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAbout the Federal Circuit and the Family Court of Australia\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) and (Division 2) deal with nearly all of Australia’s family law cases (excluding those in WA). Cases often involve disputes relating to children and property\/finances. Many of the cases before the Courts are complex and raise issues of family violence or other risks, allegations of child abuse or serious physical harm. In addition to family law, the FCFCOA (Division 2) has jurisdiction in other federal law matters such as administrative law, bankruptcy, industrial relations, migration and consumer law. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Courts prioritise the assessment and management of risk and harm to children and vulnerable parties who are involved in the family law system. Parties are also given ongoing opportunities for dispute resolution where it is safe to do so. For cases that proceed to litigation, the Courts provide a modern, transparent and efficient system of justice which is aimed at directing parties through the process as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible without undue delay.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMEDIA RELEASE, 4th October 2023\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/2390350859816512246\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/10\/therapy-dog-poppy-sworn-into-australian.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/2390350859816512246"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/2390350859816512246"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/10\/therapy-dog-poppy-sworn-into-australian.html","title":"Therapy Dog Poppy sworn into Australian Federal Court "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh2L-J3-wmI9C4K8Zusqrq9YGKlrLdBfN0N-sTIx4MJAqf1SURt9Gokd7YvoY1oRPt1blrYnIfIZ3Ko2__yNGJTLaqRfbu75J1xHON-7V8RVEq7Iq4xOIh7mb_2_TKu3yufzPyGWLM9SVsL-QOz1F6JmPOUNFGPai9RRXjxVHBz-v5meeFtgMeNNVSC2bo\/s72-c\/Therapy_Dog_%20Poppy_sworn_%20into_the_Federal_Circuit_and_Family_Court_of_Australia.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-6360360168781259783"},"published":{"$t":"2023-10-03T08:21:00.004+11:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-10-27T15:17:01.853+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NEWS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"THERAPY DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Man's best friend, the best kind of therapy!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxMk-AwZlV-Mfv0emHPdQ79DZensd01JLeP19-62yn_Dv4Qw-71S6S-ENNHMoA7FLI3huJcOPOwz4MvHdUSvfbCwmsQVFLKDqDEWcJP2oawq0pGob2xTJMQv3zQsWIOgLd8p_1yx3uPvIfCxsHrlNM0v1vHCfUNN0_xbeQFMsFHbIthFba1YMw-nmzAiA\/s1850\/Tinka_and_Co_Dan_Preston_with_Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_Tinka%20-%20Stroke%20Foundation%20story.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1322\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxMk-AwZlV-Mfv0emHPdQ79DZensd01JLeP19-62yn_Dv4Qw-71S6S-ENNHMoA7FLI3huJcOPOwz4MvHdUSvfbCwmsQVFLKDqDEWcJP2oawq0pGob2xTJMQv3zQsWIOgLd8p_1yx3uPvIfCxsHrlNM0v1vHCfUNN0_xbeQFMsFHbIthFba1YMw-nmzAiA\/s16000\/Tinka_and_Co_Dan_Preston_with_Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_Tinka%20-%20Stroke%20Foundation%20story.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EDan Preston was recovering from serious eye surgery when a stroke changed his life. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHome alone at the time, he was battling a persistent headache, but he assumed it was a result of the surgery, and the 57 stitches in his eye. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“My headache was excruciating, so I went out to the balcony to get some fresh air. But then I began to feel pins and needles in my arm,” Dan said. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“I wanted to go inside and lie down, but it was like my brain wasn’t listening to what my mind was asking. I was coherent but I couldn’t communicate properly. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“My husband Will arrived home from the gym and knew something was wrong. He called an ambulance and got me to hospital.” \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt took several days for Dan to be told he’d suffered two strokes and had a hole in his heart. He spent months in hospital and then rehab, re-learning how to walk and talk.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhGZ2_8XZr1TzvNs_YwORaxnlt3U86jIDOocJ95e_QJ6aJQa7AgLi30zNRyXUCmz3wViNPrNpEohswwPUHgUhDegVHBhZNU3Jrf9kgtBvcafPXK1Y6YNw368uvQcFR-p0tFRSiII-BMsesY5qpdclL6NkTVWzp_PwGatBMai9wIyfXxtHu8xtlsfAkVqy4\/s1440\/Tinka_and_Co_Founders_Will_Cochrane_and_Dan_Preston_with_Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_Tinka.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1081\" data-original-width=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhGZ2_8XZr1TzvNs_YwORaxnlt3U86jIDOocJ95e_QJ6aJQa7AgLi30zNRyXUCmz3wViNPrNpEohswwPUHgUhDegVHBhZNU3Jrf9kgtBvcafPXK1Y6YNw368uvQcFR-p0tFRSiII-BMsesY5qpdclL6NkTVWzp_PwGatBMai9wIyfXxtHu8xtlsfAkVqy4\/s16000\/Tinka_and_Co_Founders_Will_Cochrane_and_Dan_Preston_with_Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_Tinka.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs part of his recovery, the pair decided to adopt a companion dog to help Dan through his recovery. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“We adopted Tinka, a \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ECavalier King Charles Spaniel\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E exactly two months after my stroke. It’s funny, we say that we rescued her – she actually rescued us,” Dan said. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe stroke left Dan unable to return to his job as a Disability Support Worker. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“I had to do a lot of my rehab via telehealth, as it was during the height of the pandemic. I was feeling really fatigued, so my Mum suggested I start sewing,” Dan said. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“I found that threading a needle was great therapy, and making bow ties and bandanas for Tinka gave me a purpose, and the rest is history. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“Now we have a successful small business\u0026nbsp;called \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/tinkaandco.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ETinka \u0026amp; Co\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and travel to markets across the Central Coast selling our products to other dog lovers.”\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgOeBD1ctJuR5anJF4zMls-Ph6UgNHemgs2qdzYk8j04hJ4jkzgUI6TUIatXr-w3nBsF8pVekNYo9jLTwHdj5NXyGMkuZVN9EI9_5Hgsp-MMerrUlhrERvgQGy-CQ-LuSGAP3Jk_rzgjwzPh-KxhRBieC26DK2WQ5XEaKei6enEEptmu5jgpYsWFWcAmsk\/s1850\/Tinka_and_Co_Dan_Preston_with_dog_Tinka%20-%20accessories%20for%20dogs%20like%20bow%20ties.jpg\" style=\"font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1233\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgOeBD1ctJuR5anJF4zMls-Ph6UgNHemgs2qdzYk8j04hJ4jkzgUI6TUIatXr-w3nBsF8pVekNYo9jLTwHdj5NXyGMkuZVN9EI9_5Hgsp-MMerrUlhrERvgQGy-CQ-LuSGAP3Jk_rzgjwzPh-KxhRBieC26DK2WQ5XEaKei6enEEptmu5jgpYsWFWcAmsk\/s16000\/Tinka_and_Co_Dan_Preston_with_dog_Tinka%20-%20accessories%20for%20dogs%20like%20bow%20ties.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EStroke Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said Dan’s story highlights the fact that stroke can happen at any time. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“We need all Australians to know the F.A.S.T. acronym because it saves lives. The faster people can recognise the signs of stroke, the faster they can get specialist treatment which in turn leads to better recovery and health outcomes for the patient,” Dr Murphy said. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThink F.A.S.T and ask these questions:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFace\u003C\/b\u003E – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EArms\u003C\/b\u003E – Can they lift both arms? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESpeech\u003C\/b\u003E – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETime\u003C\/b\u003E – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EMEDIA RELEASE, 2nd October 2023\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/6360360168781259783\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/10\/mans-best-friend-best-kind-of-therapy.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6360360168781259783"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6360360168781259783"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/10\/mans-best-friend-best-kind-of-therapy.html","title":"Man's best friend, the best kind of therapy!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxMk-AwZlV-Mfv0emHPdQ79DZensd01JLeP19-62yn_Dv4Qw-71S6S-ENNHMoA7FLI3huJcOPOwz4MvHdUSvfbCwmsQVFLKDqDEWcJP2oawq0pGob2xTJMQv3zQsWIOgLd8p_1yx3uPvIfCxsHrlNM0v1vHCfUNN0_xbeQFMsFHbIthFba1YMw-nmzAiA\/s72-c\/Tinka_and_Co_Dan_Preston_with_Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel_Tinka%20-%20Stroke%20Foundation%20story.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-6634581990925043120"},"published":{"$t":"2023-09-01T11:56:00.001+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-09-01T11:56:20.455+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"CHARITY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"FUNDRAISER"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"PET THERAPY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"THERAPY DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Donations needed to support animal-assisted therapy this September"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhOPS2D9-S0h_ytAu-OLRYUJLUefaxDHarubqkHlftmTOhjdDOGeAScfC1DCzQS1KV25c0VjIlE34BzHZgKSnzYGq4qtdJB4-R1O5XgSwmBMi9XYisZKrkqXp0_SQP2EpV-AT5Xo-GauE_86EAhbtOFzsRA-UGpfk9UMERge_FLVcarfKlKG19gf4WE6iU\/s1080\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_fundraiser_for_charities_Guide_Dogs_Australia.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhOPS2D9-S0h_ytAu-OLRYUJLUefaxDHarubqkHlftmTOhjdDOGeAScfC1DCzQS1KV25c0VjIlE34BzHZgKSnzYGq4qtdJB4-R1O5XgSwmBMi9XYisZKrkqXp0_SQP2EpV-AT5Xo-GauE_86EAhbtOFzsRA-UGpfk9UMERge_FLVcarfKlKG19gf4WE6iU\/s16000\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_fundraiser_for_charities_Guide_Dogs_Australia.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EBig Hearts needed to raise $350,000 for Petstock Foundation’s animal therapy services\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThis September, the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’s \u003Cb\u003EBig Hearts Project \u003C\/b\u003Eis highlighting the positive impact of animal-assisted services and the important role therapy animals have in empowering a better future for the people who need them. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EAnimal-assisted therapy, a form of therapy that incorporates animals such as dogs and horses to help people manage and overcome physical and mental health conditions, is especially close to the \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E’s heart.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ESince 2007, The Foundation has raised over $10 million for its charity partners, enabling many to continue work in this space, including \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/guidedogs.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EGuide Dogs Australia\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/animaltherapies.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EAnimal Therapies Limited\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.assistancedogs.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EAssistance Dogs Australia\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vsk.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EVery Special Kids\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpups.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESmart Pups\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.horsepower.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EHorsePower\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rdasa.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ERiding for the Disabled Association - S.A\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ENow, the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E - the charity arm of the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Group\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E - is highlighting the positive impact therapy animals can have on people experiencing mental health conditions and physical or intellectual disability. This comes as charities are reporting growing waitlists and an increase in demand for their services [1].\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiNtmgdOnkVBnJvjzYRqOs2OW2M4aNQ7yPHBTwL39oO9fFEr1IWGa5AM_FCaNZPT8n8T63ddmaEhdcOH8pu1I_QiNwxSpjRHkAHA43cMueJuiVDaGDZyOcpLVZ9MoPA-WLc6-J-9jHeb6JwMSMIptyrv2m5m_youexmNJSLwPLK72dCOa-_dODzF65ZdI0\/s1080\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_Fundraiser_HorsePower_Charity.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiNtmgdOnkVBnJvjzYRqOs2OW2M4aNQ7yPHBTwL39oO9fFEr1IWGa5AM_FCaNZPT8n8T63ddmaEhdcOH8pu1I_QiNwxSpjRHkAHA43cMueJuiVDaGDZyOcpLVZ9MoPA-WLc6-J-9jHeb6JwMSMIptyrv2m5m_youexmNJSLwPLK72dCOa-_dODzF65ZdI0\/w400-h400\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_Fundraiser_HorsePower_Charity.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EResearch has shown that people who undertook animal assisted therapy with dogs experienced reduced feelings of anxiety and loneliness [2], and horses also provided therapeutic effects including improved postural control [3], important for people who suffer from conditions that affect mobility. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWith 60% of Australians living with a disability requiring support to complete 10 or more activities for daily living [4], and autism spectrum disorder affecting 1 in 70 Australians [5], assistance animals are another way of helping people with disabilities better access public life. Providing training for one therapy animal can cost more than $60,000, and hundreds of hours, and is often only possible thanks to the generosity and big hearts of those who choose to donate to organisations like the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBig Hearts Project\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E aims to raise over $350,000 for animal-assisted programs most in need, through a dedicated donation program with the help of animal lovers across the country who are able to spare some change. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Therapy Dogs provide comfort, support, and companionship through facilities like courts, hospitals and schools, as well as to individuals and families with more specific needs,” \u003Cb\u003EGuide Dogs Therapy Dogs\u003C\/b\u003E Coordinator Samantha O’Keeffe said. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E“Evidence supports the positive impact Therapy Dogs have, which is why we have seen an increase in demand for these services. \u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“We’re grateful for the support of the Petstock Foundation’s Big Hearts Project, which will help us make a difference to the lives of more people.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EOperations Lead for The Petstock Foundation, Sherralea Cassidy, says, “Seeing the unparalleled impact that animals can have on the lives of people suffering from mental illness, disability and disease is a key driver in the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E's work and our commitment to supporting\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Eanimal-assisted therapy programs. Together with our customers we are taking action and leading change for a better future.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgLEQB3RDwVHsVQfEPyvkLhTdANWWPGk7yRz1H46XQjYs2_zBHMARPTfsbTADWJGdWHTesIW6B7pl20LY5WyLvj_KmNKqVe_KOix7aS0gUKYJ3xydEPfSM8T3PqHYTz3B_UzenXl6PIjYFBTDyUa1eLT_-UZqX8o7KsfSxLH7iLTjeImTA0MqYoPiI337A\/s1080\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_Riding_for_the_Disabled_SA_Charity.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgLEQB3RDwVHsVQfEPyvkLhTdANWWPGk7yRz1H46XQjYs2_zBHMARPTfsbTADWJGdWHTesIW6B7pl20LY5WyLvj_KmNKqVe_KOix7aS0gUKYJ3xydEPfSM8T3PqHYTz3B_UzenXl6PIjYFBTDyUa1eLT_-UZqX8o7KsfSxLH7iLTjeImTA0MqYoPiI337A\/w400-h400\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_Riding_for_the_Disabled_SA_Charity.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E“Assistance animals can help with anxiety and improve self-confidence, as well as provide mobility support and freedom to those with physical limitations. Having independence in everyday life is important for the mental health of many people that the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E works to support. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThere has been encouraging progress in the understanding of assistance animals for those in need, but we still have more to do - for example making workplaces more accepting and accessible for assistance animals would provide more employment options for people who require an assistance animal each day.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWhen individuals and families approach charities seeking help from animal-assisted services, it is often the last option available, and they are often coming from the lowest point in their life. With the cost of living continuing to rise, the impact of the financial crisis will be felt the most by people who are already facing hardship and require support. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ESherralea continues, “Many not-for-profits are experiencing an increase in demand for their services, putting added pressure on organisations already struggling to keep up. Worryingly, donations are also down as people are understandably spending more carefully. It’s more important than ever to donate where you can, and we’re encouraging Australians and animal lovers to open their hearts and support the wonderful work The \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’s partner animal therapy charities do day in, day out. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“With a mission to raise $350,000 during the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBig Hearts Project\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E in September, we’re asking people to give anything they can - whether its by rounding up your purchase or donating a gold coin, all funds financially benefit animal-assisted services, enabling them to continue to focus on the very important work they do to provide the best outcomes for each individual's needs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgltMNr8rm3_FpXRxk0JLghSaejGIWjWZEOFUQ1xvAvCbZ0mW77R1mptMCiaydOQaxRI0N5lhcnQU88PkC7n78P0h1QjTwJu3WjxeW8sIzNC-b8oMinR2jlU8JkHOkAlWVVJQSgHkaGIvb6w2rxAGqWdtmQlDyxxcAiN3hDBD8FoGN-6Y341m0vTkOYA2E\/s1080\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_fundraiser_Assistance_Dogs_Australia_child_with_dog_sleeping_next_to_her.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgltMNr8rm3_FpXRxk0JLghSaejGIWjWZEOFUQ1xvAvCbZ0mW77R1mptMCiaydOQaxRI0N5lhcnQU88PkC7n78P0h1QjTwJu3WjxeW8sIzNC-b8oMinR2jlU8JkHOkAlWVVJQSgHkaGIvb6w2rxAGqWdtmQlDyxxcAiN3hDBD8FoGN-6Y341m0vTkOYA2E\/s16000\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_fundraiser_Assistance_Dogs_Australia_child_with_dog_sleeping_next_to_her.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EIn June, our \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/petstocks-home-town-heroes-2023.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EHome Town Heroes campaign\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E exceeded fundraising targets, allowing us to distribute\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E$106,000 to 53 localised charities nationwide,” says Sherralea. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat donations will go towards:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E100% of funds raised by the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation \u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003Eand animal lovers through \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E stores nationwide in September will be donated to the\u003Cb\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBig Hearts Project\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E charity partners to enable them to create a better future for pets and people. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EFundraising programs like the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBig Hearts Projects\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E initiative allows animal-assisted therapy groups to grow and more effectively deliver greater services to the people that are most in need. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EFunds will also be used to support grants and partnerships for future programs and\/or organisations within the animal-assisted services sector. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow you can help:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThroughout September, by rounding up purchases at \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E stores nationwide or by donating \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petstock.com.au\/pages\/petspiration-foundation\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Eonline\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EIn an effort to raise as many funds as possible for the Big Hearts Project, donations made during the \u003Cb\u003EMatching Weekend (September 16 and 17)\u003C\/b\u003E will be doubled by the \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E to bolster donations*.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EPurchase a participating product throughout September with a portion of the funds going towards the Big Hearts Project.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EPurchase a Petstock Foundation product throughout September with a portion of the funds going towards the Big Hearts Project.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EVisit your local Petstock store to support your local community or visit \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petstock.com.au\/pages\/home-town-heroes\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Epetstock.com.au\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E for more information – 100% of funds raised goes to our purpose! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E* The Petstock Foundation will double the first $50,000 AUD in donations made between 16 September 2023 - 17 September 2023 or until the available pool of funds is exhausted.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EReferences\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[1]\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.aicd.com.au\/content\/dam\/aicd\/pdf\/news-media\/research\/2023\/not-for-profit-study-2022-23-web.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ENot-for-Profit Governance \u0026amp; Performance Study 2022-23\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[2], [3]\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8701659\/#%3A~%3Atext%3DSome%20research%20has%20shown%20that%2Cof%20physical%20health%20%5B19%5D\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ENational Library of Medicine, Evidence of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Neurological Diseases in Adults: A Systematic Review\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[4]\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.aihw.gov.au\/reports\/disability\/people-with-disability-in-australia\/contents\/people-with-disability\/activities-people-need-help-with\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESpecialised supports for people with disability - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[5]\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.autismspectrum.org.au\/news\/autism-prevalence-rate-up-by-an-estimated-40-to-1-in-70-people-11-07-2018\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EAutism Spectrum Australia: Autism prevalence rate up by an estimated 40% to 1 in 70 people\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout the Big Hearts Project \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe Petstock Foundation’s Big Hearts Project leads change for the pets and people that inspire us. We provide our customers with the opportunity to make a positive impact where it is needed by reminding them about opportunities to give and what we do as a Foundation. The 2023 campaign focuses on our work within the animal-assisted therapy area. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout the Petstock Foundation \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 20,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of all Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMEDIA RELEASE, 29th August 2023\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/6634581990925043120\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/09\/donations-needed-to-support-animal.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6634581990925043120"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6634581990925043120"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/09\/donations-needed-to-support-animal.html","title":"Donations needed to support animal-assisted therapy this September"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhOPS2D9-S0h_ytAu-OLRYUJLUefaxDHarubqkHlftmTOhjdDOGeAScfC1DCzQS1KV25c0VjIlE34BzHZgKSnzYGq4qtdJB4-R1O5XgSwmBMi9XYisZKrkqXp0_SQP2EpV-AT5Xo-GauE_86EAhbtOFzsRA-UGpfk9UMERge_FLVcarfKlKG19gf4WE6iU\/s72-c\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_fundraiser_for_charities_Guide_Dogs_Australia.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-585620637151009674"},"published":{"$t":"2023-04-20T09:12:00.011+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-04-28T12:16:44.582+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"FUNDRAISER"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"KIDS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"PAST EVENTS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"THERAPY DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Paw Pals Program Paws4Kids 2023 Fundraiser - April 27"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgXyuH8qXjgQSS2Tsz7Epjv10syNECF9oJfmVaN1_J6vn-J2urbbSw92pKPIqYK60T7L-M7hQowrPdnE6LChVnkCwR4iU_bzuXPY_g4QKuCEfjXgJGfCESDGjJFQkn7ytKuWfqd5DZho8Bj79cujzmnkKQyL3MDh3ZfB7rDzQfRShuttTzhAHOEOWds\/s1200\/MacKillop_Family_Services_Paw_Pals_Paws4Kids_Program_Fundraiser_April_2023.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"630\" data-original-width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgXyuH8qXjgQSS2Tsz7Epjv10syNECF9oJfmVaN1_J6vn-J2urbbSw92pKPIqYK60T7L-M7hQowrPdnE6LChVnkCwR4iU_bzuXPY_g4QKuCEfjXgJGfCESDGjJFQkn7ytKuWfqd5DZho8Bj79cujzmnkKQyL3MDh3ZfB7rDzQfRShuttTzhAHOEOWds\/s16000\/MacKillop_Family_Services_Paw_Pals_Paws4Kids_Program_Fundraiser_April_2023.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EMacKillop Family Services \"pawsome\" program to get kids back to school \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ESchool refusal is an increasing issue for schools throughout Australia. In the three years to 2021 there was a 50% increase in the rate of students not attending school in Victoria. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EAn innovative program called \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EPaw Pals\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E is producing amazing results with young people who are disengaged from learning. With the support of therapy dogs, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMacKillop Family Services\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E has supported over 650 kids to get back to education in the five years it has been running. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EStarting out in 2018 with one golden \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/09\/labrador-retriever.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ELabrador\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and one facilitator, MacKillop has grown the program to eight facilitators and nine dogs who work across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EMacKillop’s Paw Pals program\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E is 100% funded by the community, driven by an annual matched giving day, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mackillop.org.au\/get-involved\/donate\/paws-4-kids\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPaws4Kids\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E, on \u003Cb\u003EThursday 27 April\u003C\/b\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThis year, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EPaws4Kids\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E aims to raise\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E$350,000 and all donations made on or before Thursday 27 April will be doubled by matching partners, including \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe Petspiration Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E (formerly \u003Ci\u003EPETstock Assist\u003C\/i\u003E), until the target is achieved. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EMacKillop Education Director, Anne Henderson, sees the difference \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPaw Pals\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E makes to school children every day.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjD5bFjbEivrkhy9k6PARqUKbR5nYyHN4sKZw697Zt2LbFKR6wBztwi3GRq6LW-CI5GeNmuZ8uBinBRV7IRjtpZDa2pcnY3OKcuV0TTPf-1n0VJt-nB9v-pvkxzTX9Q0FB_7wk2IPxa4o6jenoQU8BRqN5JpVLF6u3ELQOL0qNl3iRTylNfjX6ZzYqK\/s1750\/Petspiration_Foundation_Tilly_Coutts_Paw_Pal_Dog_Millie_student_Milly_and_Kath_Anderson_Paw_Pals_Facilitator_Ballarat.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1318\" data-original-width=\"1750\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjD5bFjbEivrkhy9k6PARqUKbR5nYyHN4sKZw697Zt2LbFKR6wBztwi3GRq6LW-CI5GeNmuZ8uBinBRV7IRjtpZDa2pcnY3OKcuV0TTPf-1n0VJt-nB9v-pvkxzTX9Q0FB_7wk2IPxa4o6jenoQU8BRqN5JpVLF6u3ELQOL0qNl3iRTylNfjX6ZzYqK\/s16000\/Petspiration_Foundation_Tilly_Coutts_Paw_Pal_Dog_Millie_student_Milly_and_Kath_Anderson_Paw_Pals_Facilitator_Ballarat.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E(L to R) Petspiration Foundation's Tilly Coutts, Paw Pal Millie, Milly (student at St James Parish School Sebastopol) \u0026amp; Kath Anderson (Paw Pals facilitator) at the launch of Paw Pals in Ballarat.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E“Finding strategies that encourage kids back to learning is not straightforward. These young people are dealing with issues that can range from problems in their family, living with anxiety, being in out of home care or struggling to go into class after spending a considerable time learning remotely.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“When other tried and tested interventions fail, a therapy dog can be the key to making that special connection with a child.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOnce a child has bonded with a paw pal, they are more open to working with an education facilitator who can help with strategies to boost their confidence and improve their interaction with classmates and teachers,” Ms. Henderson added.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgMU7aq-fJpriH37ZreNCUPNUcC0I7xyIV0G7DCRKqxx0XH0dCosNvmorxjXP73pRUeZ45E8DBNQGLP91RzRTqwMqouMnUSuRwl_CKSb95eUb_3XdNTU_CYmcNgfJ12fCEMhGhP0Yfg0v8f8Y9CNnBjR3Dn-u_lFj-e1DvjIFftgOSYGuNUaOGlyXd7\/s1440\/MacKillop_Family_Services_Paw_Pals_Program_Dog_Barney.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1440\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgMU7aq-fJpriH37ZreNCUPNUcC0I7xyIV0G7DCRKqxx0XH0dCosNvmorxjXP73pRUeZ45E8DBNQGLP91RzRTqwMqouMnUSuRwl_CKSb95eUb_3XdNTU_CYmcNgfJ12fCEMhGhP0Yfg0v8f8Y9CNnBjR3Dn-u_lFj-e1DvjIFftgOSYGuNUaOGlyXd7\/w300-h400\/MacKillop_Family_Services_Paw_Pals_Program_Dog_Barney.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003EPaw Pal Barney\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003ESherralea Cassidy, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe Petspiration Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E's Charity and Events Lead, said, “Petspiration Group’s philanthropic arm, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe Petspiration Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, is a proud partner of \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMacKillop Family Services\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, aligning with our values of helping pets and people to live better.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Mackillop’s \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EPaw Pals\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E program is such an important initiative, and by doubling every dollar donated to \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EPaws4Kids\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E to help reach their fundraising goal of $350,000, we hope we can make a meaningful difference to the lives of people who need our support to get back into the classroom and continue learning,” Sherralea added. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.paws4kids.org.au\/giving-day?refid\u0026amp;amount\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPaws4Kids\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E matched giving day will take place on \u003Cb\u003EThursday 27 April\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShiloh and Indie's Story\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E11-year-old Shiloh’s life was turned upside down last year when her mum was no longer able to care for her and she came to live with her dad, whom she hadn’t seen for close to three years. For a child who craves order and routine, this upheaval increased Shiloh’s anxiety, making it increasingly difficult for her to concentrate at school and engage with her classmates. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWhen she began working with Indie, a four-year-old black Labrador, and facilitator Sarah, Shiloh was withdrawn and wary of new relationships. She found it difficult to trust or maintain friendships. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EShiloh’s dad, Daegal, says Shiloh started to come out of her shell soon after starting MacKillop’s Paw Pals program. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“It’s amazing how quickly Shiloh responded to the therapy dogs. She learned to understand the dogs’ body language and that they have emotions similar to people. It has really helped her to realise that her feelings are natural and to recognise her triggers. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Paw Pals is so much more than taking a dog for a walk, although Shiloh loves to do that too,” laughs Daegal.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Shiloh knows that the dogs have grown to trust her and that she has earned that trust, through being kind to them and caring for them.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“It’s fantastic to see how her confidence has developed and how responsible she is in looking after the dogs, making sure they have water and they are not getting stressed by a situation – it’s a relationship of mutual respect,” Daegal added. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EShiloh is preparing to move to high school next year and \u003Cb\u003EMacKillop’s Paw Pals\u003C\/b\u003E team are helping her to prepare for the transition and cope with another episode of change in her life. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Shiloh tells me that Indie is happiest when she is working to a routine and that she likes to know what is going to happen as well, so we stick to our routine as much as possible,” said Daegal. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“We missed out on so much of our relationship when Shiloh was younger, and It’s lovely to see how she has come to trust me and know we have bonded. She is a much happier little girl who is making great friendships and through Paw Pals, she is learning skills that will help her throughout her life and future relationships.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ciframe allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Vb4im4DWF1Y\" title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"560\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout Paw Pals\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EPaw Pals started in 2018 and has supported more than 650 children back to education.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPaws4Kids\u003C\/b\u003E takes place on \u003Cb\u003EThursday 27 April 2023 \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EDonations from the public will have 2 x the impact as the amount donated will be doubled by matched givers, to raise $350,000.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EFor every $50 donated, Paws4Kids will receive $100 when donations are doubled by partners The Petspiration Foundation (formerly PETstock Assist), the Gaudry Foundation, iCare Staffing and the PawPrints Matching Circle.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Find out more on how to donate here: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mackillop.org.au\/get-involved\/donate\/paws-4-kids\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003EPaws4Kids\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout MacKillop Family Services\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mackillop.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EMacKillop Family Services\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E operates in VIC, NSW, WA, ACT and the NT and has been committed to working with families and communities so children can thrive since 1997.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003Cbr \/\u003EFind out more about MacKillop Family Services at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.mackillop.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003Ewww.mackillop.org.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMEDIA RELEASE, 19th April 2023\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/585620637151009674\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/04\/paw-pals-program-paws4kids-2023.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/585620637151009674"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/585620637151009674"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/04\/paw-pals-program-paws4kids-2023.html","title":"Paw Pals Program Paws4Kids 2023 Fundraiser - April 27"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgXyuH8qXjgQSS2Tsz7Epjv10syNECF9oJfmVaN1_J6vn-J2urbbSw92pKPIqYK60T7L-M7hQowrPdnE6LChVnkCwR4iU_bzuXPY_g4QKuCEfjXgJGfCESDGjJFQkn7ytKuWfqd5DZho8Bj79cujzmnkKQyL3MDh3ZfB7rDzQfRShuttTzhAHOEOWds\/s72-c\/MacKillop_Family_Services_Paw_Pals_Paws4Kids_Program_Fundraiser_April_2023.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-145778066992115933"},"published":{"$t":"2022-11-28T11:41:00.005+11:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2022-11-28T14:27:51.502+11:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"CHARITY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NEWS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"THERAPY DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Very Special Kids' therapy dog program funded by The Petspiration Foundation"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEixyf93SZdQ59kPcP29-G07Trhrozu6_8RFxHXCRYKbp1rGFygzhodJw4TuYZWDIgo5AnHyVbLQWlnsXGztnknJjuEL9c39tGQS8x7ETfzOTG1lrACQ1GxQemb43a6UTVAWbOrvtfmiwD_Bj7UahAuY2Mr30x1u0UM4AS3j6ApA0VboNxid9-dMhT6s\/s1650\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_smiling.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1194\" data-original-width=\"1650\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEixyf93SZdQ59kPcP29-G07Trhrozu6_8RFxHXCRYKbp1rGFygzhodJw4TuYZWDIgo5AnHyVbLQWlnsXGztnknJjuEL9c39tGQS8x7ETfzOTG1lrACQ1GxQemb43a6UTVAWbOrvtfmiwD_Bj7UahAuY2Mr30x1u0UM4AS3j6ApA0VboNxid9-dMhT6s\/s16000\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_smiling.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EThe Petspiration Foundation announces two-year partnership with Very Special Kids \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe Petspiration Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E (formally PETstock Assist) has announced its latest long-term partnership with Victorian children’s charity, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVery Special Kids\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe two-year partnership will see the sponsorship of the organisation’s therapy dog program and therapy dog, Jaffa, as part of the Foundation’s mission to strengthen the rewarding bond between people and pets. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVery Special Kids\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’ therapy dog program plays a critical role in providing children and young people with life-limiting conditions the best quality of life possible. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003EJaffa, a Very Special Kids therapy dog\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\" \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EJaffa joined the Very Special Kids team and therapy dog program full-time in February 2021, and this month celebrated her fifth birthday. The program aims to improve the overall wellbeing of seriously ill children and young people in \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVery Special Kids\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’ care through positive contact and interactions.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"font-family: georgia;\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"font-family: georgia;\" \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EJaffa is gentle, calming and highly intuitive, always ensuring that the children who need her most have her utmost attention. Jaffa is trained to help children turn the pages of their books and she offers children encouragement to initiate movement during their physiotherapy sessions.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\" \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjO7i4IFiN3ADQQ_udiK5uYD3foKBsgE0bwyZhPTsOe7YHmRDXlO2dJtfIlQ7Imp2LQ-BL_GeJm99mLsYVWI08rPMzgi5_alphWrOble_7GRc-MhE6-bVFsmc56jENcpeKh4j34IVKDMYdHZBKSVnjgJ9t2okXu4mp0O-C05jbWtFCUkxExpF4eu8Ss\/s1650\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_lying_on_grass_outside_during_music_therapy.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1238\" data-original-width=\"1650\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjO7i4IFiN3ADQQ_udiK5uYD3foKBsgE0bwyZhPTsOe7YHmRDXlO2dJtfIlQ7Imp2LQ-BL_GeJm99mLsYVWI08rPMzgi5_alphWrOble_7GRc-MhE6-bVFsmc56jENcpeKh4j34IVKDMYdHZBKSVnjgJ9t2okXu4mp0O-C05jbWtFCUkxExpF4eu8Ss\/s16000\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_lying_on_grass_outside_during_music_therapy.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EMany children have been calmed off to sleep with Jaffa by their side, and she has also helped children reluctant to get out of bed, and encouraged them to take the leash and walk her up and down the path or onto the front lawn for a game of fetch.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"font-family: georgia;\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"font-family: georgia;\" \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ETime spent with Jaffa can also be especially meaningful to a child who is missing their own pet back at home, bringing normality to children during their stay at the hospice.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhEwUOzrIjvYt9PDBPlVlWWky5DkmzOVjvYG1TzOIR7iq4imRgJv85droN__i84VnILKGPqPhCejAaa0WAh3Spw-_DhZGtL4i6i-y5nBAo1meWLncGlXz1SxNSR1Zg03V7xeHtGwr6kxuxgP2K8fiK2SB_4FWXjkNwEez3B4RP2gK3PfaojCtMNfFd4\/s1617\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_celebrating_her_fifth_birthday.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1617\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhEwUOzrIjvYt9PDBPlVlWWky5DkmzOVjvYG1TzOIR7iq4imRgJv85droN__i84VnILKGPqPhCejAaa0WAh3Spw-_DhZGtL4i6i-y5nBAo1meWLncGlXz1SxNSR1Zg03V7xeHtGwr6kxuxgP2K8fiK2SB_4FWXjkNwEez3B4RP2gK3PfaojCtMNfFd4\/w268-h400\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_celebrating_her_fifth_birthday.jpg\" width=\"268\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EVery Special Kids \u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003EHospice Manager, Kirsty Blair, says the new funding from\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E The Petspiration Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E will allow Jaffa to continue providing much-needed support for children and young people during their palliative care journey.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“Therapy dogs, like Jaffa, help to create a relaxed environment in the hospice so children and young people can feel comfortable, settled and supported. She not only provides physical comfort to assist children in regulating their emotions when adapting to new and unfamiliar situations, but her interventions also provide pure joy.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EKirsty adds, “Jaffa has also provided much-needed support to the children and families in our care throughout their end-of-life journey.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E“The benefits of \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVery Special Kids\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’ therapy dog program extend beyond providing comfort to these children – inspiring moments of happiness and lasting memories – that their siblings, parents, and extended family members can hold onto forever.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiBCdaEOzTXRlLKOT0h7Q4fAtrEFj9NPBKFQsnysvVmouBGO30zzi7wpnWELeGmsFi4n3AyHrd7jvdNMcqGkde6a_kYXa5-EO9t6Z0n6KALEbCOp1RPwNoKEq0zsEgCWmDLeSA1u9CZpTV2JgU4hdUOGd5JaJCZlod1aLT7eYGAu7QX0Ifmiu9zs5r2\/s1600\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_with_Petspiration_Foundation.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiBCdaEOzTXRlLKOT0h7Q4fAtrEFj9NPBKFQsnysvVmouBGO30zzi7wpnWELeGmsFi4n3AyHrd7jvdNMcqGkde6a_kYXa5-EO9t6Z0n6KALEbCOp1RPwNoKEq0zsEgCWmDLeSA1u9CZpTV2JgU4hdUOGd5JaJCZlod1aLT7eYGAu7QX0Ifmiu9zs5r2\/w300-h400\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_with_Petspiration_Foundation.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EThe Petspiration Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’s Charity and Events Lead, Sherralea Cassidy, says the partnership will fund all resourcing costs to enable ongoing training and placement of therapy dog, Jaffa, with her very special clients. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E“There are so many ways that animals can improve people’s lives and we are proud to be able to support like-minded organisations like \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVery Special Kids\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, and recognise the incredible work they have already carried out to make a positive impact on the lives of 850 families across Victoria,” says Sherralea. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E“Providing emotional and physical support through pets is extremely powerful, and we know Jaffa, leading the therapy dog program, will be able to help provide even more seriously ill children and their families with the support they need in the future.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThis financial year, the Petspiration Foundation has dispersed more than $600,000 to organisations across the country, including support to Assistance Dogs Australia and Second Chance Animal Rescue. An additional $181,000 has been donated to flood related charities in 2022 to date. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout The Petspiration Foundation \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Petspiration Foundation (formally PETstock Assist) is a registered charity that exists to strengthen the rewarding bond between pets and people, empowering a better future for both. Through its partnerships and programs, the Foundation raises awareness and changes perceptions to make a positive impact today and leading change for a better future. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince its inception in 2007, the Petspiration Foundation has raised more than $6.6 million, found homes for more than 13,000 rescue pets and donated more than $80,000 to support flood affected areas in 2022. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of all Petspiration brands, donations by business partners and employees as they come together for the pets that inspire us. 100% of funds raised go towards its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor more information on the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetspiration Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E or to donate, please visit \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petstock.com.au\/pages\/petspiration-foundation\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Epetstock.com.au\/pages\/petspiration-foundation\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout Very Special Kids \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EVery Special Kids provides holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and tailored support for their families – through life, death and bereavement. Its integrated approach includes emotional, clinical and practical support to improve quality of life and create positive, lasting memories. \u003Cbr \/\u003EAs Victoria’s only children’s hospice, its services support more than 850 families across Victoria. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor more information, please visit \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vsk.org.au\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Evsk.org.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMEDIA RELEASE, 28th November 2022\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/145778066992115933\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2022\/11\/very-special-kids-therapy-dog-program.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/145778066992115933"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/145778066992115933"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2022\/11\/very-special-kids-therapy-dog-program.html","title":"Very Special Kids' therapy dog program funded by The Petspiration Foundation"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEixyf93SZdQ59kPcP29-G07Trhrozu6_8RFxHXCRYKbp1rGFygzhodJw4TuYZWDIgo5AnHyVbLQWlnsXGztnknJjuEL9c39tGQS8x7ETfzOTG1lrACQ1GxQemb43a6UTVAWbOrvtfmiwD_Bj7UahAuY2Mr30x1u0UM4AS3j6ApA0VboNxid9-dMhT6s\/s72-c\/Very_Special_Kids_Therapy_Dog_Jaffa_smiling.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-3358764817645672054"},"published":{"$t":"2022-09-29T10:22:00.010+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2022-09-30T09:33:50.243+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"GUIDE DOGS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"PET THERAPY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"THERAPY DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Guide Dogs' Therapy Dogs Lighten Load for Students"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEggRNcyF0OWArTNAFQ52yfcZ0RZkcZI9uI6YTmGCdsH6STMQbRWgeOE5XXE9_T6L1Ax0ZtjXdSbimQNyiS8opKdMm9Fy6mnrxhEdlmM7N9Aj5Kb1meZ7TjecZB7ePNtsDnPlY3UL4mXcQhAmv47kCdpmn75V9x0yNmmMSXMyZEMU20ijqhe1Az-8DcN\/s1650\/Therapy%20Dog%20Labrador%20Barkley%20lying%20on%20the%20floor%20being%20patted%20by%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School%20student.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1238\" data-original-width=\"1650\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEggRNcyF0OWArTNAFQ52yfcZ0RZkcZI9uI6YTmGCdsH6STMQbRWgeOE5XXE9_T6L1Ax0ZtjXdSbimQNyiS8opKdMm9Fy6mnrxhEdlmM7N9Aj5Kb1meZ7TjecZB7ePNtsDnPlY3UL4mXcQhAmv47kCdpmn75V9x0yNmmMSXMyZEMU20ijqhe1Az-8DcN\/s16000\/Therapy%20Dog%20Labrador%20Barkley%20lying%20on%20the%20floor%20being%20patted%20by%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School%20student.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EAs we're about to wrap up \u003Cb\u003ETherapy Dog Awareness Month\u003C\/b\u003E this September, this is a chance to recognise these wonderful animals and the support they provide to individuals living with disability.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EA Therapy Dog provides comfort, companionship and emotional support. Any breed can become a therapy dog if they are raised and trained effectively however there are certain breeds that tend to be more commonly seen in therapy settings like the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/09\/labrador-retriever.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ELabradors\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E chosen for their gentle and calm demeanour.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ETherapy Dogs like those offered by\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E' \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ETherapy Dog Programs\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E can particularly support people who experience behavioural, emotional, developmental and mental health conditions, physical disabilities or isolation caused by age or illness.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EGuide Dogs Therapy Dog\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E Specialist \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EElisha Lamont\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E said “Our Therapy Dogs program is one of our lesser-known services beyond our much-loved namesake yet just as important to communities across Victoria.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjaLBwYPzvX_40bm1mlWGyu5Unc1fxdLwZu5sT7DaFPU9gI7zNIX1s1r_ib4M1kUHkb90a60NxQOJOCu_aGsOB2fqzC3gW_p0qQB8KPaL3ApQwKBRXvqpktGlQ02CjbKK_DGBTlFgSjZ9PG36lgLvMGLYlRgOI7DajpMlWbfkjOl9jIkPx1w89ngWay\/s560\/Therapy%20Dog%20from%20Guide%20Dogs%20Australia%20wearing%20orange%20vest.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"300\" data-original-width=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjaLBwYPzvX_40bm1mlWGyu5Unc1fxdLwZu5sT7DaFPU9gI7zNIX1s1r_ib4M1kUHkb90a60NxQOJOCu_aGsOB2fqzC3gW_p0qQB8KPaL3ApQwKBRXvqpktGlQ02CjbKK_DGBTlFgSjZ9PG36lgLvMGLYlRgOI7DajpMlWbfkjOl9jIkPx1w89ngWay\/s16000\/Therapy%20Dog%20from%20Guide%20Dogs%20Australia%20wearing%20orange%20vest.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003ETherapy Dogs provide comfort, companionship and emotional support to an individual who might benefit, as well as taking up roles in various in facilities such as schools, hospitals nursing homes, psychologists, counsellors, and rehabilitation clinics to support on a broader scale.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ETherapy Dogs are specially trained in providing a sense of calm and comfort and just like a Guide Dogs placement, Therapy Dogs are also carefully selected to match each individual or facility role based on their personality traits.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\"This September we want to raise awareness for the fantastic work of our Therapy Dogs and the important role they play in lots of people's lives, highlighting the broad range of different services our dogs can provide.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EAt around 14 months of age, dogs in the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E'\u003Cb\u003E Puppy Raising Program\u003C\/b\u003E are evaluated to determine whether they will successfully complete formal Guide Dog training or go on to fulfill another role. The dogs are then assessed by trainers to determine if a Guide Dog role is best for them. If they are better suited to another career, \u003Cb\u003EGuide Dogs \u003C\/b\u003Ewill determine what alternative roles they could fulfil in the community, such as working as a Therapy Dog.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EGuide Dogs Australia currently offer two Therapy Dog Programs:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ETherapy Dogs for Individuals\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe primary role of a Therapy dog for an individual is to provide companionship and emotional support to individuals who might benefit.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ETherapy Dogs for Facilities\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe primary role of a Therapy dog for a facility is to\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003Eprovide companionship and emotional support on a broader scale\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;to appropriate facilities, such as schools, nursing homes, psychologists, counsellors, and rehabilitation clinics.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003ETherapy Dogs having already received lots of socialisation and foundational training throughout the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/vic.guidedogs.com.au\/get-involved\/volunteering\/become-puppy-raiser\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPuppy Raising program\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, they don’t require any further training following their formal training program and are fully qualified to offer comfort, support, loyalty and friendship. However, once carefully matched with a facility or individual, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E provide training and support for recipients or facilities when they receive their Therapy Dog.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EIt’s difficult to know exactly how many Therapy Dogs are currently working in the community, however \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/vic.guidedogs.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EGuide Dogs Victoria\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E has placed \u003Cb\u003E25 dogs in the last 7 months in Therapy Dog roles\u003C\/b\u003E. Most of the Therapy Dogs placed this year were placed with individuals, however some dogs were placed in schools and one dog was placed with a speech pathologist. Other facilities where Therapy Dogs have been placed include hospitals nursing homes, psychologists, counsellors and rehabilitation clinics to offer support on a broader scale.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; color: #282829; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhnLoCp4QRkBaKHHeRINR5nU4Zh2HkHnuzqMwrVqDCqhlc20l8y6JEVQNel6q4NPa1GsTekFZCQzEWxTZuEGfGik6wRVXYFP3ERlcCZ5OrKcHURuohXi6f4K14sU2aYpYDFo6zLYF_MHkl4tpVsfB072RoKpmo0VggA9kAixQDvCT9aSu8eBrnEkBPQ\/s1620\/Luka-Barkley%20Therapy%20Dog%20-%20Student%20Development%20Reception%20at%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1620\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhnLoCp4QRkBaKHHeRINR5nU4Zh2HkHnuzqMwrVqDCqhlc20l8y6JEVQNel6q4NPa1GsTekFZCQzEWxTZuEGfGik6wRVXYFP3ERlcCZ5OrKcHURuohXi6f4K14sU2aYpYDFo6zLYF_MHkl4tpVsfB072RoKpmo0VggA9kAixQDvCT9aSu8eBrnEkBPQ\/w266-h400\/Luka-Barkley%20Therapy%20Dog%20-%20Student%20Development%20Reception%20at%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School.jpg\" width=\"266\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E“\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\"\u003ELuka-Barkley, known usually just as Barkley, is a 20-month-old white Labrador whose sole job is to give unconditional affection to students visiting our department.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EThe gorgeous Luka has already led a star-studded life after being named by listeners of \u003Ci\u003E89.9 TheLight\u003C\/i\u003E (Light FM) and making a star appearance in the TV series \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2022\/06\/guide-dogs-australias-born-to-lead.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EBorn to Lead\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E - Episode Two.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" face=\"proxima-nova, sans-serif\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 20px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EBarkley’s owner and staff member at\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003ECarey Baptist Grammar School\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, \u003Cb\u003ETanya Taylor\u003C\/b\u003E said “Barkley has brought so much joy to Carey Baptist Grammar School’s Student Development Department since he joined earlier this year.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWe’d always hoped that a Therapy Dog would add to the student experience and Barkley’s presence and loving engagement has proven as much, we are so grateful to have Barkley on our team”.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEigpX3OdB6M48y9n04guQ935YTVGEWRC1f79q9PxxuTg6qXJK0yNvoXHc4Zxa4j-1B6Wj4Rgk9ylrPPNZQqRG2VjR8AEjCSYQXEqfgFQX7xoQnALMRPjqzrtrsVGpMYh7bcHzAD55oD_9c8GDrSPo1U9NJY0kISwTuw21ZDvR-YElPeZhtawhoJhiv3\/s1667\/Therapy%20Dog%20Labrador%20Barkley%20-%20bell%20time%20at%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1667\" data-original-width=\"1250\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEigpX3OdB6M48y9n04guQ935YTVGEWRC1f79q9PxxuTg6qXJK0yNvoXHc4Zxa4j-1B6Wj4Rgk9ylrPPNZQqRG2VjR8AEjCSYQXEqfgFQX7xoQnALMRPjqzrtrsVGpMYh7bcHzAD55oD_9c8GDrSPo1U9NJY0kISwTuw21ZDvR-YElPeZhtawhoJhiv3\/w300-h400\/Therapy%20Dog%20Labrador%20Barkley%20-%20bell%20time%20at%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“The new\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ETherapy Dog Program\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs Victoria\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;has not only provided us with the most beautiful, loving and gentle dog, but they have also provided our team with training and resources to help us along our journey with him.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EOne of the aims of having a therapy dog at Student Development is to help students overcome any apprehension they may have in reaching out for Student Development support, now students come up just to say hello to him!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EAs students and staff arrive, Barkley’s presence provides a wonderful distraction from other pressures and promotes healthy connections between people around him. Students often chat about their own pets, or family members’ pets and have questions about Barkley.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EIf a student arrives distressed, Barkley will sit with the student and gladly accept the pats and tears with calm, non-judgmental ‘dogginess’.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgCEnQ3R3uKBvWAbWAR1jfq3GaXFoqJQLFTLGkP-r_QlQBmU4BWrH1icGy74C8FuZ5CFhr8nZZoUrWqgYH3lbchOEKfqdRsMw1vhQ2XquLoRdDH2H3L5hnJ-0CYmqYSYKenwt-zQ1wpRN2wX9B2eqE44uZaJmewmcj-EQMN-LAVrJd2Fu5mM6P7d3h3\/s1105\/Labrador%20Luka-Barkley%20with%20his%20head%20on%20student's%20knee%20at%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1105\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgCEnQ3R3uKBvWAbWAR1jfq3GaXFoqJQLFTLGkP-r_QlQBmU4BWrH1icGy74C8FuZ5CFhr8nZZoUrWqgYH3lbchOEKfqdRsMw1vhQ2XquLoRdDH2H3L5hnJ-0CYmqYSYKenwt-zQ1wpRN2wX9B2eqE44uZaJmewmcj-EQMN-LAVrJd2Fu5mM6P7d3h3\/w391-h400\/Labrador%20Luka-Barkley%20with%20his%20head%20on%20student's%20knee%20at%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School.jpg\" width=\"391\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe have learnt that Barkley loves to sit with people, touching them in some small way, just with a part of his body on someone’s foot.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EBarkley is blissfully unaware of the broader impact he’s having in helping to destigmatise visits to Student Development, where his role is to greet everyone at the entrance, help comfort distressed students and also sometimes accompanies students into their one-on-ones.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs Victoria\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;currently have more than 30 individuals and facilities on our waitlist in different stages of the application process and are calling on everyday Australians to support its Therapy Dog Program.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo help train the next generation of Therapy Dogs, please visit \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/vic.guidedogs.com.au\/therapy-dogs\/#how-can-i-support-the-therapy-dog-program\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #f17b0c;\"\u003Evic.guidedogs.com.au\/therapy-dogs\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003ERelated Topics:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2022\/06\/guide-dogs-australias-born-to-lead.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EGuide Dogs Australia's Born to Lead TV series\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2021\/08\/september-is-therapy-dog-awareness-month.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESeptember is Therapy Dog Awareness Month\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2017\/11\/delta-society-australia-celebrates-20.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EDelta Society Australia celebrates 20 years of providing therapy dog services\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/3358764817645672054\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2022\/09\/guide-dogs-therapy-dogs-lighten-load.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/3358764817645672054"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/3358764817645672054"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2022\/09\/guide-dogs-therapy-dogs-lighten-load.html","title":"Guide Dogs' Therapy Dogs Lighten Load for Students"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEggRNcyF0OWArTNAFQ52yfcZ0RZkcZI9uI6YTmGCdsH6STMQbRWgeOE5XXE9_T6L1Ax0ZtjXdSbimQNyiS8opKdMm9Fy6mnrxhEdlmM7N9Aj5Kb1meZ7TjecZB7ePNtsDnPlY3UL4mXcQhAmv47kCdpmn75V9x0yNmmMSXMyZEMU20ijqhe1Az-8DcN\/s72-c\/Therapy%20Dog%20Labrador%20Barkley%20lying%20on%20the%20floor%20being%20patted%20by%20Carey%20Baptist%20Grammar%20School%20student.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});