School Therapy Dog

“Millie just brightens everyone’s day. She brings immeasurable joy to students of every age and is always ready to receive a pat and cuddle”

– Heather Collet, owner and handler of Millie

Meet Millie the SMC Therapy Dog

St Mary’s College is dedicated to fostering students’ wellbeing and has a number of resources available to promote and support positive wellbeing within the school community.

Perhaps the most popular of these resources is a school therapist – of the furry, four-legged variety – our fully qualified Therapy Assistance Dog, Millie.

The Old English Sheepdog was first introduced to the College in 2022 by her owner and handler, then-staff member Heather Collet. Since then, Millie has become a beloved classmate, confidant and companion to many students and staff.

After training for more than two and a half years, in 2024 Millie graduated as the state’s first, and only, fully qualified Therapy Assistance Dog.

Ms Collet said Millie’s qualifications enable her to work one-on-one with students in the classroom, as well as attend school-based activities, which sets her apart from other school dogs that have minimal or no formal training or supervision.

Studies show therapy dogs make a big impact on childhood education, especially in terms of social emotional learning in young children.

“Millie just brightens everyone’s day. She brings immeasurable joy to students of every age and is always ready to receive a pat and cuddle,” Ms Collet said.

Accompanied by Ms Collet, Millie routinely works on-site with students from Kindergarten through to Year 12, helping to support their wellbeing, reduce stress and anxiety and boost confidence and engagement in the classroom.

Millie’s primary responsibilities include providing comfort and settling nerves during times of high stress, such as school immunisation days and examinations, and brings a welcome bit of respite from study and regular routine.

She is also available to welcome students and staff on the first day of school, as well as participating in College-wide events and Open Day.

Millie drops into classrooms to sniff out children in need of a cuddle or comforting paw. She plays with students at lunchtime – a game of soccer is her favourite and visits the school office to boost productivity and morale (and enjoy a Milk Arrowroot biscuit).

Importantly, Millie plays a pivotal role in helping students at the College express their feelings and navigate difficult emotions.

“Millie has been specially trained to seek out children who may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed,” she said.

“She provides them with the necessary time and space to self-regulate, offering a comforting presence that helps them get back on track.

“Children feel calmer right away when they stroke Millie’s long, fluffy coat. She’ll gently lean on them in return, which is very soothing.”

To ensure she is compliant and meeting the requirements of her role, Millie will undergo testing every year to maintain her qualifications. Congratulations, Millie!

Having completed her training, Millie will now have the chance to collaborate more closely with the Wellbeing team at St Mary’s College to support the emotional wellbeing of students.

The school therapy dog is just one strategy in place at St Mary’s College to support the overall mental health and wellbeing of student and staff.