For an amazing animal who has changed lives for the better.

This award is proudly sponsored by Tinkerbelle, a very generous meow who is always willing to lend a helping paw to other animals in need. With support from her human mum, Jennifer, and 100 St Georges Terrace, Tinks is thrilled to join RSPCA WA in celebrating some fur-nominal furry friends making change in their communities.

 

Boots (Gold)

This pioneering therapy dog has helped hundreds of students at Woodvale Secondary College. We were heartbroken to learn that Boots passed away just a few weeks ago at the age of 10–it’s an honour to celebrate his five years of loyal service today. Boots had a way with people, and helped students cope with a range of challenges, including anxiety, social isolation and emotional regulation. He helped students turn their attendance around, and only asked for the occasional cheese toastie in return. Boots showcased the greyhound breed’s incredible, soft nature and paved the way for new furry helpers at the school when he retired last year.

 

Ivy (Gold)

Ivy is a black labrador and best friend to Karney–a Navy medic of 11 years who is now retired and battling PTSD. Ivy’s soft nature and training through Integra Service Dogs has been lifesaving. She wakes Karney up from nighmares, detects panic attacks, provides pressure therapy, and acts as a block when Karney is overwhelmed in public. Along with this daily support, Karney says Ivy has allowed her to seek deeper help for PTSD. When her ‘working’ jacket is off, Ivy is a beloved pet. Karney says she’s a typical retreiver, and will collect random items around the house and deliver them to you with pride – even toilet rolls!

 

Legacy (Gold)

Legacy the donkey has 5+ years of experience helping people with mental health or substance abuse challenges feel more relaxed and happy. He regularly visits with clients of Women’s Health and Family Services, and for the past two years has been part of sessions at WA Recovery College–demonstrating lessons in emotional regulation and wellbeing to around 80 people. The team say Legacy is a wise old soul who can get up close with participants while they enjoy his calm and comforting nature. Legacy has a 100 per cent success rate for lifting the mood at his lectures.

 

Winston (Gold)

Winston is WA’s first Justice Facility Dog. Since September last year, he has been easing stress and anxiety in Perth’s Children’s Court three to four days a week. In 2020-21, there were 4828 offences lodged in the court. Winston has had positive encounters with hundreds of victims, witnesses and other court users– many of whom would have encountered traumatic crimes such as murders, assaults and robberies. They are often the State’s most vulnerable young people. Court staff say children are visibly less upset when he sits by them, and he’s wonderful at picking up whether a child wants playful interaction or just a quiet cuddle.

 

Angel (Silver)

For the past three years, Angel has been helping clients at Homestead for Youth open up and learn about connection, bonding, self-esteem and empathy through equine assisted therapy. She has helped well over 300 at-risk young people with their development and mental health. She can be soft and calm when a client needs it, but her cheeky streak also helps push people out of their comfort zone. Angel is a stunning horse, but it’s her personality that makes her so special and a powerful testament to the human-animal bond.

 

Watson (Silver)

This gorgeous labrador has been visiting Edith Cowan University three or four days a week for around two years. He helps the paramedicine and nursing students with their stress and anxiety and has his very own study to prove it! The research found Watson helped his students by improving overall mental health, aiding communication and providing a sense of wellbeing. He also helped students who were uncomfortable with dogs become more at ease. This good boy is now working on getting used to being in the simulation rooms, so he can be part of the students’ training scenarios.

 

Ernie (Bronze)

Ernie works with children of all ages living with disability or developmental challenges. Through Kites Children’s Therapy, he teaches basic skills like music, reading books or doing the washing to help build independence and confidence. Many parents say they are seeing the first smile, or word spoken, coming from of these interactions. Ernie’s therapy also provides a much-needed break for children from traditional sessions, bringing joy and excitement into the room. Ernie’s woolly coat means he can work with children suffering allergies too! Over the past year, he has made his mark on many young people.

 

Frank the School Dog (Bronze)

For over a year, Frank has been attending Chrysalis Montessori School every day during term. He has a very important job, helping transition students–especially the younger ones–into school when their parents or caregivers leave. He helps them build confidence, reduces anxiety, and is a soft and sympathetic ear when they need it. Frank’s emotional support was integral in helping the school through the challenges of COVID-19. He is attuned to what the students need and is a great stress-reliever for staff too. Frank is so special that he has his own book, with funds going to RSPCA WA to help his furry brothers and sisters.

 

Max and Gyspy (Bronze)

This feline pair have only been at aged care facility Rosewood West Perth for a short time, but they’ve had a significant impact. Earlier this year, Max and Gypsy were adopted through Cat Haven’s Companion Cat Program. When the home’s staff told one animal-loving resident that Max and Gypsy were coming, he quickly spread the good news to anyone who would listen–even visitors. The resident had been struggling, but when the cats arrived he couldn’t stop smiling. Staff set up Max and Gypsy’s bed near his room, but he quickly moved everything inside and now they both sleep with him every night.

 

Nimbus (Bronze)

Since arriving at Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary three months ago, Nimbus has captured the hearts of many people, both personally and through social media. The little battler was rescued by a shearer and has overcome a bone infection, a full leg amputation, and some major health scares. Nimbus recently got a new set of wheels, which will remove pressure on his remaining back leg and help him keep up with his animal friends. Through his fighting spirit, and ability to find joy in the little things every day, Nimbus has inspired and moved hundreds of people within the Possum Valley community.

 

Takumi (Bronze)

Since 2019, Tkaumi has been helping Collier Primary School students improve their reading skills with weekly visits through volunteer group Story Dogs. He listens without judgement and doesn’t mind when children get the words wrong, which really boosts their confidence. Every fortnight Takumi also drops in to the Fiona Stanley Hospital brain injury rheab unit, where his happy smile and fluffy coat instantly lifts the mood. Some patients have been away from their own pets for long periods, and light up during Takumi’s visits. This amazing dog also helps with Delta’s Paws the Pressure program, promoting mental wellness through doggy visits.

 

Meet the other Animal Welfare Award winners