Bella the MindDog therapy puppy

Hi, my name is Meg and I am a psychologist working for BodyMatters Australasia in Maitland.

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A big value for me in life is to give back to people who are suffering and in need of support. This is because of the support and safety given to me at my darkest times. Another saving grace at that time was my Cocker Spaniel, Evie. Evie laid by my side at Mili’s grave with her head gently resting on my body. She waited at home to give me such love and care after some of the toughest days and toughest therapies of my life.

There is so much evidence for the difference that a therapy dog can make in allowing sufferers of trauma and eating disorders to process and heal.

They provide comfort, support, friendship & safety to people In therapeutic and non-therapeutic spaces. This helps create an environment that gives space for individuals to feel safe enough to fully engage in therapy and get the best outcome.

Bella needs to undertake at least 12 months of training to become a qualified therapy dog and pass a public access test. Until then she will be known as a ‘Therapy dog-in-training’ and will spend her days with me at the office or out in the community practicing things like following commands, visiting shopping centres, what she can do when she intuitively notices that someone is struggling.

Training a therapy dog is a mammoth task and takes a lot of time and money. This Gofundme page is to raise enough money to train little miss Bella up to be the most amazing Therapy Dog out there. She may even do me out of a job one day!!!

If you, or somebody you know, is struggling please reach out for help. We at BodyMatters are here for you.