Empower Assistance Dogs

R U OK? Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of checking in with those around us. In today's fast-paced world, many people silently struggle with their mental health, and a simple conversation can make a big difference. By asking, "Are you OK?" and listening with empathy, we can offer support to someone who may be feeling overwhelmed or isolated. Mental health is as crucial as physical health, and maintaining it allows us to cope with stress, build meaningful relationships, and navigate life's challenges. Reaching out and staying connected can foster a culture of care and remind us all that we are not alone.

One way to improve mental health is through interaction with therapy dogs, which has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. These animals provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of calm, helping individuals feel more grounded and less isolated. Petting or spending time with a therapy dog can release endorphins, lower blood pressure, and promote a positive mood. By asking, "Are you OK?" and encouraging ways to manage mental health we can foster emotional well-being and remind each other that support is always available.

Teacher Aide (one of the Empower Therapy Dog Handlers) was slimed at school yesterday. Thanks for wearing our Empower gear for the event....it's all about awareness and we love your commitment. What a great event that the P&F organised 😊

When the call came out to support another of Logan's wonderful charities Formally Ever After Qld Inc. we didn't hesitate. Each year high school students that attend our annual Empower Assistance Dogs Charity Gala reach out to Tammy and Athol to help them to access their gowns, suits and accessories so that they can attend and have a magical night feeling so special in their formal wear. Thanks for the shout-out Tammy and Athol 😃

Do you have some formal wear that you would like to donate? Check out Formally Ever After Qld Inc. for drop off locations!

Bringing warmth, smiles, and tail wags to our pals and supporters at Moxy Sydney Airport. Our pawsome therapy dogs and their dedicated handlers are always ready to spread joy!

Thanks to Village Voice Paw-ty in the Park Newstead , Enriching Communities Newstead and the many businesses that came together on the day or donated goods or services for the raffles on Saturday. The red carpet was definately a hit with attendees and we look forward to another wonderful event next year!! Thanks to the amazing team of organisers, what a great event to bring together people and their pets!

❣️ IT'S INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY TODAY ❣️

🐾 On International Dog Day, a toast to our four-legged friends whose love and loyalty knows no bounds! Let’s honour our furry pals today and every day!

Not long to go now......see you in the morning!!!! 😁🥳🐶

🐶 SATURDAY morning Dog fun is coming to ...get your ticket to the FREE Fur-tastic Fun 🐩🐶🐕

🐾Dog Playground activities and dog walking treadmills
🐾Pupp-arazzi Parade
🐾Doga-Yoga with your dog
🐾Dental checks and health chats
🐾Top Dog mini dog school
🐾 Live music 🎵 and food
🐾Doggy market stalls
🐾Paw-trait of a mystery dog at event will be painted LIVE
🐾 Kids zone with free face painting and book reading
🐾Puppy Paw Print Painting and so much more!

Village Voice Paw-ty in the Park Newstead
📍 Saturday August 24th, 10am-12.30pm

🎫Get FREE tickets here👇quick!
https://pawtyinthepark2024.eventbrite.com.au
LUCKY DOOR PRIZE FOR TICKET HOLDERS :)

There's something for the whole family with Fonzie Abbott serving up puppuccinos, there's also puppy toastees and doggy ice cream as well as delicious snacks and treats for the Hoo-mans too! ☕🥪🍦

Live music 🎶 free face painting and story telling for the kids 🧒🏻 doggy market and information stalls, raffles supporting Empower Assistance Dogs.

Bowie Brisbane Top Dog Pawformance Kelly Llewellyn Music Have A Toast Day Vegetabelle- Vegan Food trailer and Catering The Churro Shack The Soft Spot Oscar and Pendlebury Outside the Box Gallery Newstead Dog Lovers Shady Paws The Treatery Marie-Elizabeth Pet Photography Emily & Woo Comfy Critters Sit Stay Heal Animal Therapies Biggie's Raw Pantry Bentopup Ziva's Dog Treats Pets Unleashed Kip Brisbane Harvey's Paws

🙏🏻 Thank you to all our sponsors
Village Voice Brisbane My Village News Cr Julia Dixon - Hamilton Ward Vicki Howard Newstead Vets Just For Pets Brisbane City Council Waterfront Newstead Mirvac Residential

Meet our adorable little trainee! Hoping this brings a smile to your weekend. Have great one !

We’re looking forward to seeing you at Village Voice Paw-ty in the Park Newstead tomorrow.

Village Voice Paw-ty in the Park Newstead is on tomorrow morning 10am - 12.30pm at Waterfront Park.

Find out who is the winner of the Village Voice Brisbane Dog Photo Competition. All the finalists are on Page 13 of the August edition out now https://village-voice.com.au/peninsula-issues/

Thank you to our Major Sponsor Village Voice for their support to bring Paw-ty in the Park to life in

Free Tickets here https://pawtyinthepark2024.eventbrite.com.au

My Village News Brisbane City Council Cr Julia Dixon - Hamilton Ward Vicki Howard Mirvac Residential Waterfront Newstead Newstead Vets Just For Pets Empower Assistance Dogs ....

Meet Macca, our SuPAWt furry friend who's an essential member of the QPS/SES HQ Kedron team. Isn't it amazing to have a four-legged team member? 🐾

Reflecting on a great event in support of Formally Ever After Qld Inc..
Ali Raven Mayor Jon Raven The Coco Studio by Ryan Calle Your Lifestyle Centre at Beenleigh

Send a message to learn more

From baby steps to big leaps, Abby and her faithful sidekick, Assistance Dog Greg, are nailing their goals, one medal at a time!

We couldn't be prouder.

Keep soaring, Abby! Your Empower family is cheering you on every step of the way!

4 Legs and Wheels

Getting ready to soak up some good old EKKA vibes! Celebrating Queensland's agriculture makes us remember the joy at our PAWsitive Day Out in Bulimba. Here's hoping your day is as bursting with colour and fun as ours was! 🎉🎈 🌾

Save The Date!!!

Every dog has its day, and this year that day is August 24, when Newstead dog festival Village Voice Paw-ty in the Park will celebrate International Dogs’ Day. 🐶

The event will feature entertainment and treats for dogs as well as for their diligent owners, with live music, children’s activities, market stalls, food trucks, and more.

Read more in our August paper at village-voice.com.au/peninsula-issues AND get your free tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/village-voice-paw-ty-in-the-park-tickets-929433981057?

Enriching Communities Newstead Outside the Box Gallery Empower Assistance Dogs
Newstead Vets TotalFusion Platinum Newstead Top Dog Pawformance Fonzie Abbott Pets Unleashed Just For Pets Animal Welfare League Queensland Cr Julia Dixon - Hamilton Ward Vicki Howard

Looking forward to seeing you at Paw-ty in the Park from 10am August 24 at Waterfront Newstead Dog Park 😁

Paw-ty in the Park is returning for our furry community at Newstead, from 10am August 24 at Waterfront Newstead Dog Park 🐕

Prepare your pups for a dog play course, behavioural management sessions, dog parade, dental checks and dog treats, while you enjoy a delicious selection of food trucks, live music, market stalls, kids play area and competitions with prizes to be won, all in support of Empower Assistance Dogs.

Thank you to organisers Enriching Communities Newstead and sponsors Village Voice Brisbane, Mirvac Residential, Brisbane City Council, Newstead Vets and Just for Pets for making this free event possible.

Register your attendance at https://bit.ly/3W0F2TA

Thrilled to announce our feature in Parkhouse Bell's newsletter! Dive into the link below to learn how we could be your perfect partner for Corporate Wellness Program. Let's foster a healthier workspace!

https://bit.ly/3YF44Le

The Parkhouse Bell Group

Therapy Dog Handlers can undertake nationally accredited training course ACMSS000035 Animal Assisted Services Skillset to teach them how to handle a therapy dog, taking both safety and animal welfare into consideration.

Assistance Dog Handlers should undertake transition training, if they are being partnered with a trained dog, from a trainer or a training organisation. This ensures they are taught how to manage and maintain their dog's behaviour and task work, and also prepares them to undertake the public Access Test that allows them their public access rights.

Wrapping up our incredible Japan training journey in the beautiful Sendai!

A huge thank you to Eco Japan, all the organisers, insightful translators, devoted teachers, and enthusiastic students for embracing our knowledge exchanges!

Japan, you hold a unique spot in our hearts- can’t wait to return to this special place!!

SEE YOU AT 1 PM TODAY!! 🏰 🎶 🐶 🐕 🎉

Hope everybody had a great work week!

From shopping malls to sandy beaches, our puppies are training everywhere to fulfill their duties without fail. No environment is too tough for them!

Taking Japan by storm at our 4th stop! Two days of rewarding training, filled with eager students and their amazing dogs. Fukuoka, your zest for learning left us in awe. Thank you - Arigato Gozaimasu! 🐕 🐩

✅ Certified Assistance Dogs are legally allowed to enter all public places- including public transport and entering hospitality venues such as cafes and restaurants. (Some exceptions apply see Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog ACT 2009)

❌ Therapy Dogs don’t have public access rights! Therapy dogs are trained to interact safely and reliably with people to provide emotional support in certain situations. You may find therapy dogs working in schools, hospitals, and numerous other community programs where there are agreements in place for the dog to work in that particular environment.

Last week's fantastic sessions in Tokyo at Tca東京eco動物海洋専門学校 Here are some more glimpses from the experience!