Therapy Dog program update

As we approach the end of the financial year, we want to update you on the progress and achievements of our Therapy Dog program. Not every dog that goes through our Puppy Raising and Guide Dog Training programs chooses to become a Guide Dog – instead, some excel as Therapy Dogs, changing lives in equally meaningful ways. Over the past 12 months, our Therapy Dogs have stepped out into the community in various roles, making a significant impact on the lives of those they touch.

Therapy Dogs provide invaluable assistance to individuals with disability, illness or isolation. They offer emotional support, promote community interaction, encourage regular exercise, help build routine and commitment, and provide an unwavering sense of companionship. Therapy Dogs can also provide support on a broader scale when placed in roles in various facilities such as schools, courts, hospitals, psychologists’ offices, and rehabilitation clinics.

Additionally, we collaborate closely with Integra Service Dogs in Canberra, providing dogs for further training to become PTSD Assistance Dogs for Veterans and First Responders across Australia. Some career-changed dogs become the face of Guide Dogs Victoria, working as Ambassador Dogs. Our aim is to place our dogs in roles where they can make the most significant impact and bring joy to people in as many ways as possible.

Our recent social impact survey has revealed heart-warming testimonials from families and individuals who have experienced the transformative power of our Therapy Dogs:

“Our Therapy Dog has changed the life of our two children who are the recipients (with diagnosed Autism). Our Therapy Dog instinctively knows what to do when our son is upset by bringing him a toy or licking him, or with our daughter by lying next to her for gentle pats. The dog has brought our family closer together with a common interest and bond. We love walking her as a family and she is such an important part of our family. Thank you, Guide Dogs Victoria!”

“Because of my Therapy Dog, I have been able to be a part of society, join dog agility and friendship groups, as having my dog is a great icebreaker and conversation starter. My Therapy Dog makes me more confident in situations, and I have been able to sleep without nightmares and anxiety which I haven’t done in years.”

“My beautiful boy is my best friend and my most loyal companion. Having a Therapy Dog has given me the chance to feel confident, forced me to exercise every day like clockwork, and this has improved my mental health. He gives me hugs when I need them and is the gentlest boy. I am so grateful for the Therapy Dogs program.”

“It has been absolutely life-changing and in some ways, life-saving. Words cannot express the changes for our whole family.”

Therapy Dogs placed with individuals

• Wag
• Jazz
• Georgie Boy
• Porita
• Ophelia
• Enya
• Allister
• Calli
• Winona
• Ingrid
• Chandler
• Jinni
• Vy
• Khloe
• Zea
• Eleanor
• Raylene
• Dax
• Yen
• Blanche
• Cotton
• Isabella
• Vulcan
• Taffie
• Lahni
• Jeau
• Wren
• Hattie

Therapy Dogs placed in facilities or with practitioners

• Iggy
• Vashti
• Isaac
• Paolo
• Aurora
• Alfie

Integra Service Dogs

• Aspen
• Moose
• Kimchi
• Duncan
• Goldie
• Glitz
• Hedwig
• Yasmin
• Moses
• Mila
• Capri
• Izzy

Ambassador Dogs

• Lockie
• Keith

Therapy Dogs matched and awaiting placement

• Harold
• William
• Libby