The Original
Australian Dog Of The Year Awards
Louie is a gentle therapy dog who supports people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Certified through Therapy Dogs Australia, he regularly visits the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence, offering calm, grounding comfort to survivors of sexual abuse. In spaces where words are often too hard, Louie provides safety, reassurance and connection through his quiet presence.
Beyond these visits, Louie also supports trauma recovery coaching and community breathwork sessions, helping people regulate their nervous systems and feel supported simply by being close. Walking alongside his handler’s own recovery journey, Louie reminds others they are not alone, offering comfort and healing one gentle moment at a time.
Location: Gold Coast, QLD
Charity: Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Isla is a guide dog whose partnership has transformed her handler’s world. Before Isla, independent travel felt overwhelming, shaped by anxiety and reliance on others. With Isla by her side, that changed. Together they now navigate public transport, busy shopping centres and unfamiliar spaces with confidence, trust and ease.
Through Isla’s steady guidance, her handler has regained independence and freedom, pursuing university study, gaining employment and relocating to a major city independently for the first time. Built on trust, communication and mutual reliance, Isla is more than a guide. She is a partner who has opened doors and helped her human step forward into a future filled with possibility.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Charity: Hear No Evil – Aust Deaf Dog Rescue
Willow is a deaf rescue dog whose life’s work has transformed understanding and challenged long-held misconceptions about deaf dogs. Rescued in 2015 and taught using Auslan signs and visual cues, Willow quickly showed that communication is not limited to sound. Since becoming an official ambassador for Hear No Evil in 2016, she has spent more than a decade educating communities across Victoria through school visits, Deaf festivals and major public events.
Through her calm presence and gentle advocacy, Willow has helped replace fear with understanding, directly influencing adoption outcomes and preventing deaf dogs from being overlooked or euthanised. As she approaches retirement, her legacy is already secure. Willow has changed minds, opened hearts and shown Australia that connection goes far beyond hearing.
Location: Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Thank you to The Saltiest Dog for Sponsoring The ARAS (All Rescues are Special) Medal in 2026.
Charity: Animal Therapies Ltd
For the final three months of Vanessa’s life, her assistance dog Honey brought warmth, calm and familiarity into an intensive care unit filled with alarms and uncertainty. Each day, without fail, Honey arrived with Joel to lie quietly by Vanessa’s side, offering comfort not through tasks or commands, but through presence. Her steady breathing and gentle warmth softened moments of fear and pain, making even a clinical space feel like home.
Honey’s impact reached beyond the bedside, easing tension and restoring humanity for those around her. Following Vanessa’s passing, Honey continues forward as Joel’s assistance dog, carrying her memory with her. She is a living legacy of love, devotion and the quiet power of connection.
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Charity: Ronald McDonald House WA
Gus is a gentle Labrador affectionately known as the Director of Hugs and Pats at Ronald McDonald House WA. Welcoming families into their home away from home, Gus offers comfort and connection during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Supporting families caring for seriously ill children, he instinctively knows when someone needs a calm presence, a reassuring nuzzle, or simply a moment of normality.
Rescued and trained through Guide Dogs WA, Gus has found his purpose in this space of care and compassion. Whether greeting families as they arrive or sitting quietly beside a tired parent, Gus eases tension and lifts spirits through steady affection, reminding those around him that kindness is always close by.
Location: Perth, WA
Charity: Afghan Hound & Saluki Rescue
Puck is a Saluki whose life is defined by versatility, precision and heart. One of the first dogs of any breed in Australia to achieve champion titles across four disciplines, conformation, lure coursing, tracking, and track and search, Puck demonstrates that true talent extends far beyond a single arena. His achievements reflect not only athleticism, but focus, intelligence and an exceptional work ethic.
Beyond competition, Puck’s impact is felt in quieter spaces. Each week, he attends Guildford Grammar School as a wellbeing dog, offering calm connection and reassurance through his gentle presence. A deeply loved family member and advocate for canine sport, Puck’s talent is matched by kindness, joy and generosity of spirit.
Location: Perth, WA
Charity: Deaf Dog Rescue Australia
Elle is a remarkable deaf rescue dog who has turned her challenges into opportunities to make a difference in countless lives. Relying on sign language to communicate, Elle competes in agility and obedience competitions, showcasing her incredible bond with her handler.
As a school therapy dog, Elle helps children navigate anxiety, tough days, and behavioural challenges. Students earn reward cards to perform tricks with Elle, improving classroom behaviour while fostering a sense of achievement. She also teaches children how to approach dogs safely and communicate using sign language.
Elle’s impact extends beyond students—she’s a beloved presence in the staffroom, bringing smiles, laughs, and well-timed fur cuddles to anyone who needs them. Whether joining dress-up days or sneaking in a quick game of ball, Elle spreads joy wherever she goes. She’s even part of the school staff photo, a testament to the profound difference she’s made in the school community.
Location: Gold Coast, QLD
Charity: Second Chance Animal Rescue
Daphne’s story is one of unwavering determination and resilience. At 11 years old, she suffered a severe brain injury after being hit by two cars on Boxing Day 2023. Prognoses were grim—she was not expected to survive, and if she did, she would never walk, see, or eat independently again.
But Daphne had other plans. Just a week after leaving the vet, she began eating on her own, and within months, she was walking, running, and even jumping. She regained vision in her right eye and never lost her signature sassy, stubborn personality.
Before her accident, Daphne was a Pet Therapy dog at Lort Smith. Her pawrent aspires to Daphne returning to this role and inspiring others with brain injuries, showing that recovery is possible. Daphne’s miraculous journey has inspired countless people, including her vets and physiotherapists, who now see hope for dogs with severe brain injuries. She truly embodies hope, love, and determination.
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Bear’s journey from a “handful” puppy to a koala-saving hero is nothing short of extraordinary. After being surrendered multiple times, Bear found his true purpose with the Detection Dogs for Conservation team, where his boundless energy and focus became an invaluable asset.
Unlike most dogs trained to detect koala scats, Bear’s exceptional skills allow him to find live koalas resting high in trees. Over the years, Bear has saved over 100 koalas, playing a vital role in search and rescue missions during bushfires, vehicle strikes, and disease outbreaks. His work has been pivotal in efforts like Black Summer, where every koala he saved made a tangible difference to endangered populations.
Beyond his lifesaving work, Bear’s cheerful nature and striking blue eyes bring comfort to those affected by disaster. Featured in documentaries, including “Bear, Koala Hero,” Bear’s story highlights the critical importance of wildlife conservation and inspires action to protect Australia’s iconic koalas.
Thank you to The Saltiest Dog for Sponsoring The ARAS (All Rescues are Special) Medal in 2025.
Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD
Charity: Fetching Dogs
Sunday has transformed adversity into a beacon of hope for animals and humans alike. After losing her back left leg as a newborn, she was adopted by Dr. Matthew Breeds, a chiropractor with a deep love for animals.
To enhance her mobility, Sunday underwent groundbreaking osseointegration surgery in 2019, receiving a hybrid cobalt-titanium implant into her tibia. This innovative procedure, led by Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Munjed Al Muderis and Veterinary Specialist Dr. Daniel James, made her the first dog in Australia to receive a human-designed prosthetic implant.
Sunday’s successful recovery has paved the way for similar surgeries in other animals, offering renewed mobility and a second chance at life. Her story stands as a testament to innovation and compassion, inspiring countless others worldwide.
Thank you to Pet Circle for supporting the Paws-itive Change Award in 2025 with a kind prize donation.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Charity: Animal Aid
I’m Kali & I’ve worked as an accredited Therapy Dog & Story Dog for almost 11 years. I’ve supported people at the bushfires in Gippsland. Many cried into my fur, & it was reported in newspapers.
I went to Parliament as a representative for Amendments to the Domestic Animal Bill. I work with adults with complex disabilities & as a Story Dog to support children’s literacy.
I also attend Latrobe Regional Hospital including in the Emergency Department, Cancer Care & the Ambulance Bay. I’ve represented at events including the Dog Lovers Show & Melbourne University.
I am happy when I make other people happy. And I’ve also taught my new sister Leiha how to be a therapy dog.
Location: Gippsland, VIC
Charity: D.A.R.E. Rescue
Heidi is a rescue dog from RSPCA. She’s now 13 years young, & that one-in-a-lifetime Heart Dog. My father had extreme dementia. Heidi got herself on his bed & lay beside him for three days. His waving hands would touch her. My dad was soothed, as she patted her. I would find her in Dad’s special chair, or on his bed, and I knew she was talking with him. I wished I could have.
Heidi currently holds 39 Titles. She’s a Tracking Champion, Track and Search Grand Champion, Agility Champion & Rally Obedience Champion. She has Advanced Tricks, Advanced Dancing With Dogs & Endurance Dog titles.
Heidi is the classic Aussie Battler. She has cancer & nearly died from chemo. Despite this, she’s ballsy, stoic, headstrong & so incredibly loving.
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Nessie, the Conservation Detection Dog from SA, is a true hero in the fight to save the endangered Hooded Plovers. Over two seasons, Nessie has scoured the metropolitan & Fleurieu Peninsula’s coastal landscapes. She’s successfully located 180 fox dens that posed a grave threat to the survival of these tiny, ground-nesting birds.
Her versatility shines as she now also tackles the conservation of Pygmy Blue Tongue lizards, detecting them in intricate spider burrows. Nessie is also a proficient Search and Rescue dog – adept at trailing the scent of missing humans & dogs.
Nessie’s impact extends to the upliftment of volunteer morale. She’s the heartbeat of the team devoted to safeguarding the Hooded Plovers.
Thank you to Pet Circle for supporting the Paws-itive Change Award in 2024 with a kind prize donation.
Location: Adelaide, SA
Charity: Epilepsy Action Australia
Baloo provides an incredible service ~ she’s literally a life saver ~ to her human Dani.
“I’ve lived with uncontrolled epilepsy for 11 years. Baloo is a seizure alert assistance dog who alerts 3 to 5 minutes prior to oncoming seizures. She’s saved my life multiple times, including when I’ve stopped breathing and required CPR. She also protects me from falls daily. Baloo has given me back my life back”
Prior to life with Baloo, Dani could not be alone at any time. Baloo choose her and proved herself by alerting her to a seizure at their first meeting. She protects her from falls daily, is by her side when she needs to go to the hospital and has given her independence.
Location: Brisbane. QLD
Charity: Stella Bella Little Stars Foundation
Elton is an assistance dog for 7-year-old Charlie who
has autism, an intellectual disability, and a severe
heart condition.
“Charlie’s had over 120 hospital admissions and has
already had 2 strokes and 7 heart surgeries. Elton
has been with Charlie for some hospital admissions
and is learning to help with seizures. He protects Charlie. What comforts Charlie is getting a big
hug from Elton. He brings light to very hard times,” says mum Melissa Clode.
Elton also brings joy to other children in the wards and the doctors and nurses there.
Location: Canberra, ACT
Charity: Story Dogs
Harry is our blind rescue dog. He’s a Story Dog at our local school, where he listens to reluctant readers, and helps build up their confidence. Harry, being blind, can’t tell what the story is from looking at the pictures, so I would ask the children to read carefully so Harry could understand. Harry also helped students understand that having a disability, or being different, does not mean you weren’t special, or couldn’t have fun or make friends. In 2021, my husband was diagnosed with facial nerve cancer, and now has impaired vision. Harry taught him to see with his heart and showed him that you can still have a purpose. Harry taught him to delight in what he does have: Life. Harry is our Paralympian, bringing home gold every day!
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Harry the Story Dog was sponsored by Puppy Tales until his retirement in 2025.
Charity: Guide Dogs Australia
Nine years ago I lost my sight, my job and the ability to do ordinary things like cross roads or cook. I lost all hope. Guide Dogs Australia gave me Poppi. It was hard to be scared to leave my front door when Poppi was so excited to go.
I had a goal to complete a counselling degree. With Poppi I was able to catch trains, find class rooms, and feel safe to study. Poppi attended all the classes and co-counselled during placement. She’s a brilliant counsellor who has brought comfort to many. She’s graduating with an honorary degree in March.
Poppi has made the ordinary for me not only possible, but extraordinary.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Rocky single-handedly saves the lives of 30,000 endangered green loggerhead and flat back turtle hatchlings each year in two of the most important turtle rookeries on the Australian eastern seaboard. Rocky also helps protect the 10,000 endangered Mary River turtles through ridding the river banks of foxes. And he has helped restore the population of critically endangered bilbies from feral cats at the RAMSAR listed Currawinya National Park.
Rocky’s job is tough and dangerous, and he shows courage everyday. He’s survived a black snake bite in doing his work. He’s truly a hero to many & a friend to all native Australian creatures.
Location: Brisbane, QLD
My first memory of my boy was when I went to meet him and his littermates. I fell in love as soon as I saw him. He was shy, but he has these big brown eyes that make me melt, even 5 years later.
In the past year, we’ve been through so much together. I went through a breakup, had to move in with my brother while I got back on my feet, all in the midst of a global pandemic. Dmitri was by my side through it all, and I couldn’t have gotten through it without him. He is so special to me.
Location: Melbourne, VIC
