Therapy Dogs Australia training has started!

Zahli is well underway with her training with Therapy Dogs Australia. Zahli and I will be completing a HUGE amount of learning, training and evaluations over the next 6 weeks to ensure that she is ready to be the very best fit as St Patricks Therapy Dog starting 2025.

As a huge advocate for the power of animals and their positive effects on human wellbeing throughout my career, I am well versed in personal experience and research into the many positive effects animals can have.

The HAB is the bond shared between a Human and an animal. I love the definition provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association which states -

‘HAB is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship and animals that is influenced by behaviours that are essential to health and well being of both. This includes but is not limited to, emotional, psychological and physical interactions of people, animals and the environment.’ (AVMA 2018)

This bond is particularly beneficial in schools. Having worked with 2 dogs during my career, I continue to be blown away with the positive effects on students' regulation of emotions, and overall responsibility for their behaviour and learning when my dogs are part of a session. 

Zahli will be part of individual and small group sessions at ST Patricks. She will be with me, her handler at all times.  She loves people, fun and cuddles and really loves to watch students learn. 

Before Zahli has any contact with students she will be entering all learning spaces, and getting to know the school environment, so give her a wave as she prances past in the coming weeks. Classes will all get a visit from me and an opportunity to discuss Zahli, the boundaries we set around her being at school, and any questions students may have.

We will be communicating further regarding any concerns you may have regarding your child’s future contact with Zahli. 

We are very excited for her arrival.