Ambulance Victoria is giving a big round of ap-paws to its three retiring Peer Support Dogs who are hanging up their leads after a combined 13 years in the program.
Poodle Anna, German Shepherd Aria and English Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cash have all retired in recent months after supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Ambulance Victoria (AV) staff and first responders.
Clinic Transport Officer Jen and her poodle Anna joined the Peer Dog Support program in November 2019 where Anna captured the hearts of all she met.
“While she’s not as excitable as some of the other dogs, Anna was always happy to walk up to people at work and would never turn down a back scratch,” Jen said.
“She had a steady and elegant approach to interacting with the workforce and was a natural at posing for photos. She would always leave people smiling.”
Involved in the program from the beginning, Jen said it was great to watch it evolve.
“At the beginning, people didn’t know what it was all about and I had to explain our role, but by the end of our time they would see the dog and know it was a safe place to have a conversation.
“It was interesting to watch the acceptance of the program grow and it was a wonderful opportunity for Anna and myself.”
“Thank you for all your work. We wish you all the best for retirement,” the press release read.
