Lions Assistance Dogs

We’re delighted to share another successful accreditation🧡

Congratulations to Hearing Assistance Dog 'Robbie' and his recipient who successfully passed both their Public Access Test and Sound Assessment!

Robbie is now fully ready to support his recipient every day by alerting to important household and environmental sounds, providing greater safety, confidence, and independence both at home and in the community. 🐾

Robbie’s three-month follow-up was completed by the Lions Club of Helensvale, who ensured he was settling in well and maintaining a high working standard. We are grateful for their support in helping create another successful partnership. 👏

Pictured is Robbie, his recipient and some of the lovely volunteers from the Lions Club, all looking proud as punch! 🦁

Congratulations to everyone who’s been part of his journey and this incredible achievement. 🎉

Last week we celebrated another milestone with the placement of Psychiatric Assistance Dog 'Dougie'! 🧡

Dougie was proudly sponsored by the Lions Club of Prosperine. We’re so grateful for their support throughout Dougie’s journey, we hope they enjoyed following his time in the Puppy and Training Programs.

A huge thank you also goes to Dougie's dedicated puppy carers, Merle and Malcom, Carol and Anne who all raised him with love, patience, and care. Their commitment throughout his time in the Puppy Program helped shape Dougie into the confident and capable Assistance Dog he is today. 💙

Dougie also spent some time in our Bed and Breakfast program where he went home with Susan and her family. For four days a week, they would drop Dougie off at ‘School’ and pick him up in the afternoons – giving Dougie a loving home whilst he was in training. 🏡

Dougie will now begin providing vital support and companionship to his recipient, helping make everyday life safer, easier, and more independent.

Thank you to everyone involved in Dougie's Journey! 🧡

There’s a new face in training its ‘Melvin’! Doesn’t he look so proud! 🧡

Melvin is a Tenterfield Terrier from Gumhaven Kennels who has just joined our Hearing Assistance Dog program!

Melvin was proudly sponsored and named by the Yarrawonga Lions Club Inc. Their generosity has given Melvin the chance to become a life-changing Hearing Assistance Dog, and we look forward to keeping them updated on his journey. 🐾

A special thank you also goes to his puppy carers, Bronte who started off his time in the Puppy Program and also Amanda who completed his puppy training. Their love, patience, and dedication have given Melvin a wonderful foundation to begin training. We’re so grateful for the time and care they’ve invested in helping Melvin reach this exciting milestone. 💙

Last week we bid farewell to another two Assistance Dogs! First up was 'Holden' who has began his journey as a Hearing Assistance Dog. 🐾

Holden was proudly sponsored by the Holden FX-HZ Car Club. We thank them for their generous support and we hope they have enjoyed following his journey through both the Puppy Program and his full-time training. 🦁

A huge thank you goes to his puppy carers Maddie and Jason. From raising Holden as a tiny puppy to supporting him as he grew into a confident young dog, they gave him the love, guidance, and experiences he needed to be ready for his next chapter. 💙

We’re so proud of the progress Holden has made and look forward to seeing the incredible difference he will bring to his new recipient’s life. 🧡

Birthdays are about celebrating the ones who fill our lives with love, laughter and joy... people and pups alike. But what if this year, your celebration could change someone's life? 🎉

Imagine this...
Instead of asking for birthday gifts, invite your family and friends to donate through your own Birthday Fundraiser. 🎁
Every dollar raised helps provide something truly priceless: independence, confidence, companionship and hope for someone waiting to be matched with one of our extraordinary Lions Assistance Dogs.
Your birthday could be the reason someone takes their first steps towards greater freedom, connection and a brighter future.

Not celebrating your birthday anytime soon?
No problem... let your four-legged best friend take centre stage! 🎈
Throw the ultimate birthday paw-ty and celebrate with purpose. Invite your friends, gather the neighbourhood dogs, spoil them with pup-friendly treats and make memories that matter.
Instead of gifts, ask your guests to make a donation to Lions Assistance Dogs. Together, you'll be giving someone the chance to experience the life-changing bond of an Assistance Dog while celebrating the unconditional love our own dogs bring into our lives every day. 🎂

Every birthday. Every paw-ty. Every donation brings another life-changing partnership one step closer.

Ready to celebrate for a cause? 🎊
Sign up for your Birthday Fundraiser here: https://lionsassistancedogs.raiselysite.com/ 🐾

A big round of applause to Hearing Assistance Dog ‘Pappy' who has officially passed her Public Access Test and Sound Assessment! 🎉

This milestone marks the completion of Pappy’s training journey, meaning she’s now fully accredited and ready to support her recipient each and every day by alerting to important household sounds such as the doorbell, mobile phone, and emergency smoke alarm.

A heartfelt thank you to the Lions Club Of Whyalla, who for the last twelve weeks, provided ongoing support throughout Pappy’s follow-up period. Their involvement has been instrumental in helping Pappy settle into her new role with confidence. 🦁

Congratulations to Pappy, her recipient, and everyone who’s been part of her journey - from puppy carers and trainers to the Lions members who cheered her on. Another life-changing partnership made possible through community support. 🧡🐾

On Friday, we held our annual Volunteer Thank You Lunch.

It was a lovely afternoon filled with plenty of laughter, wonderful memories, and special thank you's — including an extra special visit from Santa! 🎅

This lunch is an annual reminder of the importance of our incredible volunteer programs. We are so grateful for each and every one of our volunteers and the time, dedication, and passion they bring to supporting our work. 🧡

Congratulations to our Barbara Goldspink Volunteer Award winners 🐾
Megan Butler and Peter Korndorfer, for their dedication to the Puppy, Guardian, and Sponsor Programs (just to name a few).

Bill Holmes Award winners 🐾
Lynda and Anthony Kingsley
For their dedication to the Bed and Breakfast and Puppy Programs.

Veronica Seedhouse
For her dedication to the Puppy Program.

Congratulations to all of our award winners on the day, and to every single volunteer who gives their time and support. Without you, we would not be able to do what we do.

A special thank you also goes to the team at the German Arms Oval for their continued support and for providing such a fantastic venue for our event.

Thank you to all involved for being such an important part of our community. 🧡

On Wednesday, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Diabetes SA CEO Catherine, her lovely daughter Imogen, and Jane for a special visit. Our trainers introduced them to Diabetic Alert Dog Malley and showcased the amazing work he does to support people living with type 1 diabetes. 💙

Every Diabetic Alert Dog we train represents hope, independence, confidence, and a life-changing partnership for someone living with type 1 diabetes. We are incredibly proud to provide these specially trained dogs free of charge to those who need them. 🐾

A heartfelt thank you to the Diabetes SA team for visiting us, learning more about our work, and helping us continue to raise awareness of the difference these incredible dogs make every day.

Together, we can celebrate the people, the partnerships, and the paws that make such a meaningful impact. 🐕💙

📸: Diabetes SA

🎓 Join us in giving a round of appawse to our newest Puppy Pre-School graduates! 🎓

Over the past four weeks, these enthusiastic pups have been busy learning the foundations that will help them grow into confident and capable Assistance Dogs.
This gorgeous groups are from guardian Coco's second litter and Amity Labradoodles 💙

Our clever pups worked on basic obedience skills such as sit, drop, stay, leave it, give, recall and loose-lead walking. They also practised staying focused on their handler around distractions - which can be tricky, especially with so many new friends nearby!

A big thank you to our wonderful puppy carers for giving these pups the best possible start. We’re excited to see what comes next for these young learners.

Congratulations to Eden, Deakin, Rollie, Champ, Fred, Radar, Merran, Connie, Oggy and Rosie👏🐶