When he’s off duty, our pet therapist Dusty likes nothing better than slipping out of his owner’s house and taking a walk – by himself.
The cheeky Australian Cobber Dog (half poodle, quarter labrador, and a quarter golden retriever) could be mistaken for any fun-loving puppy when cavorting on the beach, but when he’s wearing his harness at the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, it’s strictly work all the way.
Dusty is more than just a friendly face – he’s a crucial support for many women accessing services at the Centre. As a trained therapy dog, Dusty helps clients regulate their emotions, ease anxiety, and feel more at ease in their sessions. For many, stroking Dusty helps them stay in the present moment, making difficult conversations with counsellors a little easier.
Dusty can be a grounding presence for women dealing with trauma, anxiety, and distress. Some clients meet him before their first appointment to help ease nervousness about entering a new space. Others use his presence to calm down after difficult therapy sessions before heading home.
For those looking to incorporate more physical activity into their routine, Dusty can be a great walking companion. During some sessions, he joins in on short walks, providing both comfort and motivation.
Those who can’t have pets due totheir circumstances can find comfort in spending time with Dusty, as he serves as a temporary companion.
If you’d like to spend time with Dusty, you can book a session by calling the Centre. Currently, Dusty is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm. (He has a snooze for lunch between noon and 1pm.)
On Mondays and Friday, Dusty also participates in the walking group between 11.30am and 12.30pm.
Guidelines for Interacting with Dusty
While Dusty loves people, he is a working dog, and there are a few important rules to keep in mind when meeting him:
- Approach him calmly. Excited, sudden movements or touching his head can overstimulate him and take him out of “work mode.”
- He prefers being patted on his back or sides rather than his head.
- Dusty needs regular breaks, so his sessions are limited to 20-minute intervals for now.
Contact us to book in with Dusty.
