Therapy Dogs

Meet Odie and Walter, Mindarie Senior College’s Therapy Dogs

Odie and Walter provide emotional support to both students and staff. They are based in Student Services with their owners Sarah, the Manager of Student Services and Tam, College Chaplain. They regularly visit classrooms and socialise with the students at break times.

Odie is a hypo-allergenic, non-shedding Toy Moodle. He has a lovely, gentle temperament and has been around students since a very young age. He is accustomed to being appropriately picked up and cuddled by students. In May 2022, Odie was fully certified as a visitation therapy dog through Perth’s Animal Training Specialists (PATS).

Walter is a hypo-allergenic, non-shedding Spoodle. He joined the College in 2024. Walter is very sensitive to the emotional state of people and picks up on the students’ moods quickly. He assists students to calm down and regulate as they stroke and cuddle him. He enjoys meeting new people and loves to play. His favourite thing is a scratch behind his ears.

Both dogs are very good friends and love hanging out together. They are at the College on different days but do spend time together when the College has special events for the students.

We would encourage you to make contact with the school on 6207 5500 or via email at sarah.bentley@education.wa.edu.au if your child is not comfortable being visited by Odie or Walter or has dog associated allergies.