Paws for Thought

Childhood literacy rates in Australia are among the worst in the developed world, with one in five children failing to meet international standards. The Federal Government is pouring millions of dollars into addressing the literacy crisis, but is there a simpler solution staring us in the face – while also begging us for a walk in the park? As thousands of school children are discovering, reading to a dog can be a real page turner.

Dani Hale was living her dream life, serving her country in the Army and then in the Navy. But the physical demands of the job took a heavy toll over many years, leading to multiple back operations, a spinal cord implant and, inevitably, a medical discharge. Pain and depression were her companions until 2019, when Integra Service Dogs Australia came to the rescue with Poppy, an assistance dog. 

One in three women experiencing domestic violence don't leave - or delay leaving - because of their pets.  But services are now available in Australia to provide safe havens for both. The law is also catching up, with recent legislation in NSW and Victoria recognising animal abuse as a form of family violence . These steps, and Amber's inspiring story, provide hope to thousands of women and their pets currently caught in a living hell.

Since 2003, Nils Lantzke and his herd of alpacas have been spreading the love around Canberra, helping those doing it tough and putting a smile on people's faces. After 17 years, Nils is hanging up the reins, leaving a remarkable legacy.

Mental health social worker Zel Tomasevic explains why she stepped away from her office four years ago and now spends her days in a paddock, getting her clients to work alongside horses - with much better results.

What can a horse teach us about ourselves? Jasmine Hobbs explains how equine therapy has transformed her world, helping to reduce her anxiety and better manage social interactions.