Paws and Thrive

01/04/2025

🧩 It’s World Autism Understanding Day today and April is National Autism Awareness Month so sharing this short video from Aspect so we can all understand the needs of autistic people a little more. I recently listened to a great TED talk that reminded us to be curious about others rather than making assumptions. We can do this by asking different questions… and asking questions differently. Learning about everyone’s unique preferences and priorities and treating everyone with tespect and compassion makes a difference.

World Autism Understanding Day (WAUD) is about more than awareness—it’s about action.In conversations with the Autistic community it became apparent that whi...

04/03/2025

Our thoughts are with all those in Queensland and north east NSW over the next few days. Wishing you, your families and animals stay safe during the cyclone/ floods. 🌀 🌧️

24/02/2025

It’s “Animals Helping Humans”week. Leading human and canine welfare organisations have called on MPs to support policies that recognise the positive impact of the human-companion animal bond on mental and physical wellbeing.

The issue was highlighted at a parliamentary event attended by 39 MPs in the UK. Speakers included Canine Partners, which trains assistance dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, Paws for Progress, which delivers dog-assisted learning programmes in prisons and schools, and the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy (IIAAPT), which provides professional training in animal-assisted therapy.

You can read more here:

https://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2025/02/10/mps-urged-to-recognise-the-benefits-of-the-human-companion-animal-bond/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Y6Pe2KRIDcewvo7mgUqqw44-RX0lAMFfNqWoB5zrxraJLOvQySne5RaI_aem_tdQeafg6pW92ESDaElRakw

23/02/2025

I attended the 3 day Animal Therapies Ltd Virtual Conference last week. It was so great to hear the work that’s going on around Australia and internationally in the animal assisted services and assistance animal space. Lots of insightful information too. Thanks Animal Therapies Ltd for organising.

29/01/2025

Promote inclusiveness and diversity in your establishment by becoming an Assistance Animal Aware Business. 🐾

By attending one of our community educator courses, completing a brief online questionnaire, and aligning your policies with Australian law to ensure assistance animals are welcomed, your business can proudly display our logo for marketing purposes! 🌍💡

Assistance animals and their handlers often face public access issues – but by participating in our program, you show your dedication to supporting accessibility for all. Let's work together to create welcoming spaces for everyone. 🙌

🌐 Sign up today and be a part of the change! Let's make every environment more inclusive!

16/01/2025

When it comes to NDIS funding, not all expenses incurred from owning an Assistance Animal are funded. As an insurance scheme in its own right, they will not fund the cost of pet insurance. Please take a moment to review the ‘What IS funded’ and ‘What’s NOT funded’ examples below, keeping in mind, these lists are not exhaustive and this may change. (Screenshots taken directly from NDIS website and information is correct as of 16.01.2025.)

15/01/2025

A great initiative for our current and ex- serving ADF members with mood, depressive and anxiety disorders including PTSD. Defence Community Dogs are currently taking expressions of interest for these individuals who are seeking an assistance dog to support them.

We are currently seeking applications from ADF Veterans who could benefit from a DCD Assistance Dog to help provide physical and emotional support for mood, anxiety and depressive disorders, including PTSD.

The time to process applications varies depending on the Veteran's personal situation, their readiness for an assistance dog, providing all the necessary documentation, and having the right dog available in training to individually match to the Veteran's needs.🐾

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a DCD Assistance Dog, please visit www.dcdogs.com.au/apply to find out more.

Improving the lives of Veterans. One paw at a time 🐾

Bravery Trust Servulink Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling Soldier On Australia Women Veterans Network Australia - WVNA Salute For Service Defence Member and Family Support Defence Bank Defence Families of Australia (DFA)

09/01/2025

I am very pleased to hear that Assistance Dogs Australia raised a generous $246,239 from their recent fundraising campaign. I have my fingers and toes crossed that they will be able to reopen their waitlist soon as I have lots of eager participants seeking assistance animals.
Thank you for the wonderful work you’re doing Assistance Dogs Australia!

20/12/2024

I would like to take a moment to thank all the wonderful people I have met this year who have shared their journey with me and trusted me to advocate for an Assistance Animal. We have shared some wonderful times and some pleasing outcomes but it’s not always easy. Thank you for all the work you do in gathering supporting information and evidence. Thank you also to those who referred clients and the Assistance Animal trainers/ providers who work tirelessly with their handlers and ADiT to be their best. You all do an amazing job.
It’s been a fantastic year and it’s an honour to work with you all in this space. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas period. PAT will be closing for a couple of weeks from today to enjoy some family time, but will be back ready to start the New Year from 6th January. Merry Christmas! 🤶🏻 🐾