Run by MackIllop Family Services, Paw Pals works to provide support workers and therapy dogs to students who face any difficulties to learning. Paw Pals aims to help improve confidence, behaviour and self-regulation for students who require the support.
Amazingly, with the support of the community, Paw Pals have been able to help over 1300 kids, working across Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.
The demand for their support continues and their program is continuing to grow, enabling them to help more and more students every day. Due to this demand, the appeal to the community for donations and support is always there.

Lara Shannon, a Paw Pals Ambassador shares the impact the dogs have on the students.


“Children respond to a compassionate wet nose. The program is trauma-informed and much more than bringing a dog to school, but if you’ve ever melted when looking at a pair of soft brown eyes, you will understand why Paw Pals works.
“Dogs have an innate sense of responding to human emotion, body language and needs. When children meet MacKillop’s Paw Pals, it’s the start of getting back in touch with their education.”

Paw Pals offer two services, school group sessions which allow up to 8 students at a time in a session to 1 on 1 sessions, which can be taken anywhere the student feels comfortable.

The results from Paw Pals speak for themselves and parents and children involved cannot speak highly enough of the program, with many saying the confidence and attendance records of their children improving greatly.
 

​Origin:
The Bernese Mountain Dog originates from the Swiss Mountains and is an ancient breed, with 18th century paintings showing dogs that appear very similar to the BMD. They are named after the area in Switzerland, the canton of Bern.
 
Purpose:
The BMD was bred as a working and companion dog for farmers. Their lines of work included pulling carts as well as driving cattle. The breed excels in herding, guarding and search and rescue work.

Coat care:
The thick double coat of the BMD requires daily brushing, with extra work needed during shedding. The breed is a seasonal shedder however during this time will drop a lot of fur. Being bred to work in the Swiss Mountain, they are very much equipped for the cold weather, with a longer outer coat and woolly warm undercoat.


Health & Temperament:
These beautiful giants are a perfect companion and family dog. The BMD is a loving and happy dog that are very intelligent and easy to train. They are confident and alert and get along well with other animals is well socialised from a young age.
Despite their size, they are a very active breed, requiring a decent daily walk. They enjoy a large outdoor space for daily access to get out and run. With the right physical and mental stimulation, they are also happy to lounge around inside, lapping up plenty of cuddles and attention and being close with their family.
Sadly, the average life span has decreased for the breed over the last 10 years, with poor breeding practices included in some of the claims for this. Currently, the average lifespan of the BMD is only 6 -8 with cancer being a very large cause of death within the breed. This is something that many BMD groups have been studying and looking into to reduce this. They are certainly a breed that requires thorough health checks of their parents breeding blood lines. 

Origin:
The Greyhound is an ancient breed with carvings of them depicted in Egyptian tombs dating back as far as 2900 BC.
It is believed that the breed has descended from the Arabian Sloughi and over time has been traded and moved around the world from England to America and even used by Spanish explorers. They were officially recognised in America in 1885.   
The origin of their name remains unknown however it is believed it comes from the Old English words of ‘grei’ and ‘hundr’ which mean ‘dog’ and ‘hunter’.  
 
Purpose:
The Greyhound was bred for hunting. Being the fastest breed in the world, catching prey was never a challenge for them. Over history they have been used for hunting all types of animals from rabbits and hare to fox, deer and wild boar. Along with their speed, they also have fantastic eye sight, making them the perfect hunter.
As of today, Greyhounds are most popular for racing dogs. There are now two accepted line of breeding amount the breed, show line and racing line. The show lines meet the breeding standard and are suitable for entering the show ring with the racing line be bred purely to be the fastest on the track.

Coat care:
Grooming for this shorthaired breed is almost non-existent. They can be brushed as needed especially during times of shedding and really don’t require to be bathed. It is better for their skin to avoid bathing as much as possible to avoid dry skin and allow their natural oils to protect their skin and coat.


Health & Temperament:
Contrary to everything we know about the Greyhound, pet Greyhounds are very much a relaxed and easy going dog. They enjoy a daily walk and should only ever be let off leash in a safe and very secure space. Chasing small animals is in their blood so caution should always be taken around smaller animals. Aside from this, they are, in general, a very easy breed to keep.
Once their exercise needs are met, the Greyhound will happily lounge around the house (on the couch is preferred) and make great companions for the elderly. Sadly, many Greyhounds from the racing industry, when no longer winning races, are destroyed. Thankfully there are a number of Greyhound Rescue and Rehoming groups that help to rehome these dogs. Even if they have been raised as racing dogs, they still make amazing family pets and adjust well and easily to a home lifestyle with time and love. They enjoy the company of others dogs and will love a good play with other breeds.
They are a breed that is prone to bloat so it’s important all Greyhound owners are well educated on this and take appropriate precautions around meal and exercise times. You can read more on bloat HERE.  They live anywhere between 10 – 12 years on average. 

Have you ever wondered what an assistance dog does when they are off duty? Solo is happy to fill you in! 

As we arrive home and walk in the door, Solo follows me into my office to take off his uniform. He heels, we take off his harness and then collar is removed—oh sweet bliss after a big day at work! Now, ‘dog mode’ kicks in: firstly, food. Thirty seconds later, now it’s playtime as he races around and says g’day to my wife and son with a trusty Kong stick in his mouth.

Later, it’s cuddle time. As I recline in my chair, he curls up between my legs for some good one-on-one time before bed. Solo’s favourite thing to do when I’m not working is to simply snuggle, he’s such a softy and I love that about him so much.

Weekends and daytime at home, he loves to play and follow people around—he’s such a sticky beak, always needing to know what everyone’s up to!

But he always makes sure to keep a watchful eye on me. So much more than a Guide Dog or mobility tool, Solo is a true family member.”
​
– Tony, Guide Dog Handler

We all know the amazing work that the team at Guide Dogs Australia do.
Want to know more or how you can help? Support for groups such as Guide Dogs Australia is not just limited to donations. You can be involved in being a puppy raiser or even volunteer your time. You can find out more ways you can get involved HERE! 

Has the vet advised that it's time to put Fido on a diet? Do you feel guilty scaling back their meal sizes or taking away the treats? 
We all know what it's like when they look at you with those big brown eyes, just begging for a little more food!
Our tips below are some easy changes you can make to keep your pooch and vet happy whilst bringing their waist line back! 

ASDOG Jade has been an amazing companion and helper for Sheree for the last 6 years. Here is Jade's interview with ASDOG to share with everyone the real work an Assistance Dog does! 

Editor: Jade, you must be a great help for Sheree. What sorts of things do you do for her?
Jade: I do heaps; I’m very clever you know! I open and shut the doors, drawers and the fridge, I put things away and retrieve things, I take Mum’s jackets and shoes off, pick things up that she drops, put the toilet seat up and down, open and close the blinds, turn lights and the water fountain on and off, take the phone to Mum…

Editor: Wow! You are clever. What about house work, do you help with that?
Jade: Oh yes, I forgot that. I take the washing off the airer, put Mum’s things away where she tells me, tidy my toys up, pick up my old bones in the backyard, put things in the bin, take my dinner bowl to the sink…

Editor: And when you go out?
Jade: Yep, I’m helpful everywhere. I help with doors, I take the queue ticket out of the machine at the bank, I pass Mum things from shop shelves and pass Mum’s credit card from the counter back to her…

Editor: Which job do you think is the most important to Sheree?
Jade: Mum says that when I pick things up that she drops like the door key or mobile phone it makes her feel safe.

Editor: That’s fantastic. You must get a bit tired of working sometimes though.
Jade: Are you kidding? I’m given a treat every time I help out. I could work all day; in fact if you have a dog biscuit I could help you now. Would you like your jacket taken off? No, what about your shoes? Perhaps you’d like me to put your mobile phone on the table…?

Editor: Ah… I’m okay for now. Did you have to learn anything new after you moved in with Sheree?
Jade: Yes, funny you should ask that, I thought I had passed graduation! Mum needed a few things that weren’t on the curriculum yet. It wasn’t a problem for a special dog like me, though. I quickly learned and passed the blinds, toilet seat and ticket machine tests.

Editor: How do you know when Sheree needs your help?
Jade: She either tells me with a known cue, points to something like a drawer handle or positions herself in a familiar spot like next to the fridge door.

Editor: Can you tell me about where you and Sheree go in an average week?
Jade: Well, we go to work five days a week to the office and two hospitals. On the weekends we have lunch with Mum’s friends and go to the lake, the beach and different parks. The lake is my favourite place; I loooove swimming. We also go shopping every week or so. Mum lets me pick a new toy sometimes. I only buy the ones that squeak, they’re the most fun!

Editor: What a busy week. What happens on a typical workday?
Jade: After breakfast we have a run and a sniff in the park. I don’t have my jacket on then so I get to play with my friends. I like Baxter, Lilly and Monty the best because they’re big like me. I get dressed in my jacket and we catch a taxi to work. I sleep on my bed next to Mum’s desk or go out to the lawn if I need a break and then we go for a run at lunchtime. Another taxi takes us to the hospital sometimes so Mum can see some clients or attend a meeting and we go home at about 5 p.m. Our friend Paul drives the taxi home and he plays with me after I get changed out of my jacket.

Editor: What jobs are you required to do at work?
Jade: I retrieve printed pages from the photocopier, fetch the air conditioner remote from the wall bracket, put things in the bin, open and shut doors, pick up anything that Mum drops, take her jacket off if she gets hot. Occasionally I have to demonstrate my skills for Mum’s clients who have a spinal cord injury. They say I’m more intelligent than their children sometimes!

Editor: You’re so busy! Are you given plenty of play times?
Jade: Play times are cool! I only wear my jacket when I’m in a public place where pet dogs wouldn’t be allowed to go. Every day I get to run free in off leash areas and play, sniff, swim… it’s a great life you know!

Editor: It Certainly sounds like It! Who looks after your feeding, brushing and washing?
Jade: Mum gets my food ready and I gently take the bowl off her lap. I get brushed by Mum with the special brush that she straps to her hand. And washing… aghhh… Mum’s carer washes me in the shower. They think I run around excitedly after a shower because I feel fresh. What a myth; I’m just so ecstatic that the chore is finally over!

Editor: Where do you sleep at home?
Jade: My white leather chaise is near Mum’s bed. I sleep on my back with my head on my cushion and snuggle against my cosy purple blanket. Mum’s friends laugh and they’ve all taken photos of me. I don’t know why.

Editor: Laugh? How odd! Have you ever been on holidays?
Jade: That’s when you don’t come home at night time, right? Well, er… I don’t like to boast but I have frequent flyer points you know. I’ve been on planes to the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Bundaberg Adelaide, Coffs Harbour and Melbourne. I get to ride in the plane with Mum; I sit on the floor next to her. Every couple of months Mum and I catch the train to the Blue Mountains and spend the weekend at Nanna and Grandad’s place. That’s the best fun. They live on a big bush property and I get to run and swim in the dams to my heart’s delight!

Editor: You are well travelled. Have you been everywhere with Sheree?
Jade: No, I had to stay at home once when Mum and her niece went to the zoo. It’s a designated quarantine area and no animals are allowed to go there, not even Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs. It’s okay though because I got to chew a huge bone at home.

Editor: It must be hard to do the right thing all the time. Have you ever done anything wrong?
Jade: Ha ha ha… listen to this. I ate a whole sponge cake once… as quick as I could… at Nanna’s house! Everybody laughed at how silly they were for putting it on the footstool and then racing out onto the back deck when something caught their attention. Phew!!

Editor: What are your favourite things?
Jade: Umm… breakfast, working for food, dinner, bones, swimming, my friends, rolling on my back, exploring, did I say food?, Nanna and Grandad, playing, taxi rides, carers, running and just going out anywhere. Oh did I say food, because I think that’s my very favourite thing.

Editor: I know how you feel! Finally, do you think Sheree realises just how special
you are?
Jade: Oh definitely, she tells me how beautiful and clever I am all the time.

Origin:
The Carin Terrier originates from the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye and is considered one of Scotland’s original dog breeds from back in the 1500’s. They were originally considered the same breed as the West Highland Terrier and Scottish Terrier, just simply believed to be different colours, however during the 1900’s the breeds were recognised as their own and began to be bred separately.
Their name comes from the fact they were small enough to squeeze into ‘cairns’ which are rock dens where badgers and fox live.
 
Purpose:
The brave Cairn Terrier was used to locate foxes and badgers and alert farmers to them by barking and keeping them in place. They were great hunting dogs with a braveness much greater then their size.

Coat care:
The Cairn Terrier does require a medium to high level of maintenance of their coat as it can quickly become matted and uncomfortable if left untamed. They should be brushed daily to remove knots from their shaggy top coat with gentle attention being paid to their softer undercoat. They require monthly bathing and will need the fur around their ears and eyes trimmed as needed. They are a breed that sheds little to no fur.

Health & Temperament:
Although mostly kept as companion and lap dogs these days, being bred as a working dog, the Cairn Terrier has some serious drive. They are still fantastic at tracking and agility competitions as well as brave watchdogs. Given they have a natural hunting instinct they are best supervised around smaller pets within the home and should always be well socialised from a young age to other animals, people and children. A nervous and anxious Cairn, or one who thinks they are the boss can quickly lead to serious behavioural issues, including snapping, growling and resource guarding. They have a fierce instinct to hunt vermin so can keep a mouse or rat issue under control.
They enjoy having a ‘job’ or feeling like they are ‘working’ so training them to do tricks is easily achievable. Without enough mental stimulation, they quickly can become bored and are a breed that enjoys digging. Daily exercise is a must along with firm boundaries to avoid them thinking they are in charge.
A well balanced and satisfied Cairn enjoys being part of the family with lots of cuddles and playtimes. They can enjoy socialising with other dogs and being involved with their family.
They are, in general, a very hardy little dog with no major genetic health issues. It is common among the breed to be allergic to fleas which is easily managed with flea prevention and they can gain weight easily if not following a suitable diet and exercise routine. They average a life span on 12 – 15 years. 

The wide array of options for dog treats can be very tempting, however they can often be full of un-natural additives or high in fat, which can be very dangerous for older dogs as well as those with any health issues sensitive to fats such as diabetes and pancreatitis. Did you know there are many healthy alternatives that you probably have sitting in your kitchen now? They are not only better for your dogs waist line but some are great for their teeth too!

Carrots are a fantastic treat for dogs, providing they are prepared to a size that is suitable for your dog. They are both nutritious and a great way to keep your dog's teeth clean. 

Raw or cooked, broccoli is great for dogs as it's high in fibre and vitamin C and low in fat. Served raw it is also great for their teeth and satisfies a dog's natural want to chew and break up food. 

Being high in water, cucumbers are great treat to give on warmer days to your pooch. They are low in calories and easy to slice up to the right size for your dog to enjoy. 

Providing the core and all seeds are removed prior to serving, apples are a fantastic treat for dogs. They are full of vitamin A & C and dietary fibre. They are high in sugar so should be given in moderation as a sometimes treat. It should be avoided by dogs that suffer from diabetes, pancreatitis  or who are overweight. 

Watermelon can be a fun treat, especially on warmer days. Although it is low in calories and has no fat or cholesterol it does contain sugar so should also be avoided by dogs that are overweight or suffer from diabetes or pancreatitis. 

The current Guinness World Record Holders for.......

Longest ears EVER on a dog belongs to Tigger, the Bloodhound. Check them out! His left ear measures at 34.2cms long and his right ear at 34.9cm! No dog has beaten this record since he was awarded in 2004!

Longest tail goes to Keon, the beautiful Irish Wolfhound, who's huuuuge tail measures in at 76.8cms! That's longer then the length of a Dachshund! Keon has held this record since 2015 and is yet to be beaten!


Photos and information credit to Guinness World Records: 
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/www.guinnessworldrecords.com/