We’re petitioning the National Day Creator Board (yes, we’re convinced they exist!) to make it National Dog Day every single day. Because honestly, dogs make everything better.
From big dogs to little dogs, fluffy lap dogs to hard-working muster dogs, drooly pups to yappy companions – we love them all. Why? Because dogs love us unconditionally. They’re loyal, comforting and always happy to see us.
And this year, we’re especially excited to celebrate Norah, TAFE Gippsland’s newest and furriest member of our Animal Sciences team.
Meet Norah 🐾
- Breed: Kelpie x Staffy
- Age: Two years old
- Occupation: Certified Therapy Dog
- Personality: Calm, gentle, great listener, loves humans
- Home life: Adopted at 16 weeks old by TAFE Gippsland teacher, Kimberley Bode
- Loves: Couch cuddles, paddock runs, doggy daycare
- Favourite treat: A greenie.
After successfully completing a Therapy Dog Training course in Ararat, Norah is now a qualified therapy dog. She’s already been busy visiting Animal Sciences classes at the Baw Baw Skills Centre and Yallourn, where students interacted with her as part of their assessments.
Kimberley says Norah loves being in the classroom.
“The tasks she helps out with include reviewing vital signs, grooming, and providing food and water,” Kimberley explained.
“I hope we can utilise her more in class to help reduce stress and anxiety levels and encourage students to attend campus knowing they’ve got a therapy dog waiting for them.”
Norah’s training
To achieve certification, Norah had to pass a series of assessments including:
- Obedience under distraction
- Temperament evaluation
- The famous “angry man” test
- Exposure to children, adults, elderly people, people with disabilities, loud noises and other animals.
Kimberley is also a certified therapy dog handler and is currently teaching Norah to give hugs on command (we can’t wait for that one!).
Why therapy dogs matter
While dogs like Norah bring joy and calm into classrooms, Kimberley says it’s important that owners also understand safe handling and canine body language.
“All dogs can bite if provoked – they’re still animals. But if we can re-educate people about recognising stress signals and respecting a dog’s boundaries, we’ll have calmer, happier dogs and stronger human–animal bonds.”
And when it comes to what students are most excited about with Norah in class?
“A Norah hug, for sure!” Kimberley said.
Looking ahead
We look forward to Norah joining our Animal Sciences classes more regularly to provide comfort, calm and a little extra wagging joy to our students.
Because really – who wouldn’t want a therapy dog as a classmate? 🐶💚