Our furry therapist extraordinaire, Chilli the Hungarian Vizsla, has officially retired at the end of 2023. Together with his dedicated handler, Sam Shand, Chilli underwent specific training to become an Accredited Therapy Dog eligible to work with clients in therapy sessions. Over the years, Chilli has been a source of comfort and support, leaving lasting paw prints on the hearts of many HMC clients.

Happy Retirement, Chilli!

As we bid Chilli a happy retirement, we want to assure our clients that we are actively exploring innovative ways to maintain the warm and comforting presence that therapy animals bring. For any inquiries or to learn more about Chilli's retirement and upcoming developments, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Research indicates that animals serve as effective tools in providing comfort and support within therapy, known as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). This approach offers clients a sense of safety, trust, emotional attachment, calmness, and an overall improvement in mental health.

Various animals, including cats, dolphins, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses, can be utilized in AAT. Among them, dogs stand out as particularly well-suited to the role of therapy animals, and when employed in therapeutic sessions, it is termed Canine Assisted Psychotherapy.

So, what makes dogs so effective in therapy? Dogs' natural affinity for humans, ease of training, and positive response to physical touch make them ideal for therapy, especially in Western societies like Australia. In fact, dogs are the most common pets in Australia, with 38% of households owning one. With an estimated 4.8 million pet dogs in Australia, the strong bond between Australians and dogs is evident.

Therapy dogs play a valuable role when working with young people, and compelling evidence supports their use in sessions with young people experiencing mental illness. Studies consistently indicate that involving dogs in therapy is effective in fostering positive connections and building trust, which are essential elements in establishing a successful therapeutic relationship with clients. Additionally, therapy dogs are effective in reducing emotional distress, and encouraging the sharing of challenging events, feelings, or thoughts. Furthermore, they aid in diminishing feelings of loneliness, boosting positive moods, enhancing general mental health, improving self-esteem, and providing relief from stress.