Doggie duo Roxy and Quinton supporting NT kids in schools, libraries and even at court
Two therapy dogs are wagging their tails and giving sloppy kisses to Darwin kids and adults in need of comfort and support, with their trainer hoping to expand the service across the NT.
Northern Territory
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TWO therapy dogs are spreading their calm demeanour across Darwin by going to schools, libraries and even court rooms to support children and others needing comfort.
Labrador retrievers Roxy and Quinton are part of Good Dog Animal Assisted Intervention, a therapy dog service started by Charles Darwin University (CDU) social work lecturer and PhD student Hannah Taino-Spick.
Roxy and Quinton regularly visit primary schools and libraries to support the Tales to Tails literary program, in which children read to the doggie duo to help boost self-confidence.
“Roxy and Quinton support children in a non-judgemental way, so children are comfortable with their presence,” Ms Taino-Spick said.
“Children who are a bit shy or a little behind in literacy can drop that embarrassment and take ownership of their learning in a safe and supportive environment with the therapy dogs.”
More recently Roxy and Quinton have made appearances in court, accompanying children going through their sentencing.
“Their presence lowers children’s anxiety and helps normalise their day,” Ms Taino-Spick said.
“The court system can be quite foreign and rigid, and they just bring a sense a normality to the children involved.
“They have an approach that is not judgmental towards people in incarceration. They are there to assist with their needs.”
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The pair also support people with disabilities and students at CDU during exam week.
Ms Taino-Spick started training therapy dogs after she left the military.
“I wanted to do something people-focused. A lot of veterans need help transitioning back to their life and we want to help them with it,” she said.
“We want to extend our services to the entire Northern Territory and work with military and veteran communities to support their transition.”
Ms Taino-Spick hoped to grow the team and expand their services in the future, also bringing the pair into her lectures to help students understand the variety of social work services available.
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