Bailey the Chief Therapy Dog Visits Australian Parliament House

Bailey the Chief Therapy Dog visits Australian Parliament House

Bailey the Golden Retriever visited the Australian Parliament House last week as part of Therapy Animals Australia’s PAWS at Work program. Bailey, along with Therapy Animals Australia Director, Dr. Brad Rundle and Junior Trainer, Lara, were hosted by The Speaker of The House of Representatives, The Hon Milton Dick MP.

Bailey is an accredited therapy dog who has been formally trained to meet the Service Animals Australia Essential Standards for Therapy Dogs. Whilst visiting the Australian Parliament House, Bailey had the absolute pleasure of meeting and greeting the employees as well as the ministers and members of parliament. When he wasn’t meeting and greeting, Bailey was relaxing in The Speaker’s courtyard or sleeping in the office of The President of The Senate, The Hon Sue Lines MP.

There were many highlights during Bailey’s visit, starting with being patted down by security (he thoroughly enjoyed this!) to meeting the hard-working grounds staff – Bailey loves a perfect lawn and to meet the people responsible for the amazing gardens and lawns of the Australian Parliament House was a special treat. Of course, Bailey could not resist stopping past to visit the kindergarten. Bailey loved spending time with the tour guides and the gift shop staff. Likewise, he thoroughly enjoyed all the pats and affection from the various members of the press and media. He visited a number of ministers, members of parliament, ministerial staff and parliamentary staff all whilst spreading his message of promoting mental health in the workplace.

It is with great honour that The Speaker bestowed the title of Chief Therapy Dog on Bailey. We appreciate this gesture and unique way of promoting the great work done by therapy dogs and their handlers.

Bailey definitely made some good friends on this visit and is very much looking forward to seeing them again soon. Bailey loves meeting new people, if you would like to enquire about the PAWS at Work program and Bailey visiting your workplace, please contact info@therapyanimals.com.au or visit www.therapyanimals.com.au/paws-at-work

Thank you to Australian Parliament House.

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