Sunbury’s very own Barkly, the German Shepherd assistance dog, is be competing in Australia’s Top Dog finals.
He is one of the 20 finalists chosen from almost 300 entries in the Top Office Dog and Top Dog with a Job categories.
Now five years old, Barkly started training at eight weeks and continues learning every day. However, his owner Caroline Johns said it was her that had a lot to learn from him.
“I learn from him every day that life is worth living instead of stressing and being anxious all the time. Without him, I just don’t know where I’d be,” she said.
Barkly has been a source of comfort for Ms Johns’ anxiety and depression following a vehicle accident in 2016.
“There should be more service and companion dogs out there being offered to help people with mental health problems,“ she said.
“When I take Barkly with me when I go up the street, for a walk or my hospital visits, if he senses somebody needs a bit of a nudge, he’ll veer off from me and give them a bit of a nudge. It makes their day. Animals just bring out the best in people.”
For Ms Johns, this opportunity to share her and Barkly’s story offers a chance to raise awareness and destigmatise mental health.
“I think [sharing my experiences] can help everybody every day, especially if it brings a smile to someone’s face.”
Lara Prust
