September 25th, 2024Pats and chats with purpose

Most people recognise the love of four-legged friends in the home and now they’re starting to appreciate the benefits canine companions can have in the workplace.

Bailey an accredited therapy dog (pictured above) dropped by Victoria’s Parliament House to meet MPs and employees late last month.

Ably assisted by experts in animal behaviour, the five-year-old Golden Retriever was even given his own security pass.

The visit highlighted the positive impacts properly trained pooches can have on wellbeing and culture in a range of professional environments.

‘He spreads the love everywhere he goes,’ Therapy Animals Australia’s Melanie Rundle said.

‘He’s been trained as a therapy dog and that means wherever he goes he’s going to behave appropriately,’ Ms Rundle said.

Based in Bundoora, Therapy Animals Australia provides programs to meet the specific needs of individuals, workplaces and community groups.

‘It actually connects people together. So, getting them to stop what they’re doing, actually talk to people and spend a moment connecting with each other and that can really help with your own mood,’ Ms Rundle said.

‘It’s a relaxed, social time where you can connect with each other without any pressure.’

A therapy dog’s presence also raises the profile of mental health and can prompt discussions and initiatives related to reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing among staff.

Bailey’s visit to Spring Street follows a similar trip to Capital Hill in Canberra in June, where he was given the title of ‘Chief Therapy Dog’ by House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick.

You can find out more about the various visits and programs at Therapy Animals Australia.