An Ararat-based therapy dog has set tongues wagging statewide as the first Victorian therapy dog in a supported playgroup program.

Hunny, an 18-month-old Border Collie cross Kelpie, was the talk of last month’s Playgroup Victoria Conference in Melbourne, which had a theme of ‘Better Together – Cultivating Connections’.

Owned and handled by Ararat Rural City Council supported playgroup facilitator Nerissa Gee, Hunny has attended the Ararat playgroup for the past year.

Ms Gee presented to a crowd of about 50 people at the conference, telling them Hunny’s role was to bring people together and encourage connections.

“Hunny has a natural ability to show emotional support for the children, as well as their parents, if they are feeling unsure or vulnerable in the group setting, even if it is small and inviting,” she said.

Ms Gee said she was invited to speak at the conference after word spread of Hunny’s success in bringing playgroup members together.

She said therapy dogs worked to support people’s general emotional and mental wellbeing.

“Hunny makes the children feel less anxious and gives them cuddles if they feel like they’re having a bad day,” she said.

“She does everything from sitting patiently with a child whilst they learn to write their name to making parents feel calmer if their child is being vaccinated.”

While Hunny was unable to attend the conference, the crowd appreciated photos of her dressed up as literary characters including Harry Potter.

“It was an honor to talk about Hunny to representatives of Victoria’s playgroup sector,” Ms Gee said.

“She makes people feel safe, seen and connected and is well known to break down barriers between people generally caused by shyness or unsurety in new situations.

“She’s such an integral part of the children’s services team at council.”

Ms Gee said some of her industry peers were keen to learn how to integrate a therapy dog into respective playgroup programs, and that she was eager to help them navigate the process.

Hunny and Ms Gee are both certified by a therapy-dog training provider.

Hunny also provides emotional support for participants at other council programs for children and youth, including the YEAH Crew.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said as the first municipality in Victoria to have a therapy dog ‘on staff’ in children’s services, the council was delighted Hunny’s story was inspiring others.

“Nerissa and Hunny are a fantastic team and have made such a positive impact on local families,” he said.

“And now they are inspiring other playgroup leaders to do the same in their communities, which is really pleasing.”

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