Meet The Team
Sarah, our CEO & Founder
Meet Sarah Macdonald, the visionary behind Canine Comprehension. With a BA in Arts: History/Politics from the prestigious University of Notre Dame and a Master of Teaching (Secondary) from ACU, she possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of remarkable. As the driving force behind Canine Comprehension, she brings therapy dogs to schools, touching the lives of countless children. Through these furry companions, she enables young minds to gain a broader perspective on mental health, empowering them to embrace readiness for learning.
Operating not only in Melbourne but also extending her services to mentoring and supporting residential care for children facing social anxiety, Sarah’s impact is far-reaching.
A seasoned educator, Sarah’s early career as a teacher ignited her passion for mental health’s role in learning. Combining her compassion with a profound understanding of animal assistance therapy, she spent extensive time as a professional dog trainer, discovering the profound benefits of dog-assisted therapy for at-risk youth.
Sarah’s achievements have been duly recognized and celebrated. She was honored as the Commonwealth Bank Australian of the Day and earned a Silver Stevie® Award in the Female Entrepreneur of the Year category for Asia, Australia, or New Zealand in 2019. Last year, Canine Comprehension earned a nomination in the Animal Assisted Learning (AAL) Category at the Animal Assisted Therapies Ltd Conference Awards and was a finalist at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
Adding to her accolades, in 2021, Canine Comprehension triumphed with the Australian Achievers Award, exemplifying excellence in customer relations. As a dynamic leader, Sarah’s dedication and accomplishments continue to inspire and shape a brighter future for those she serves.
Watch Sarah’s Introduction
Meet our incredible therapy dogs, Gruffalo and Maisey
The dynamic duo of fun and well-trained charm!
Gruffalo
Meet Gruffalo, Sarah’s therapy dog in training and a proud member of the Canine Comprehension family. Gruffalo is an Aussie Mountain Doodle—a charming mix of Bernese Mountain Dog, Standard Poodle, and Australian Shepherd. With his tall, curly frame and unique colouring, he’s as striking as he is lovable.
Gruffalo is a true people-pleaser, radiating joy wherever he goes. When he’s feeling proud, he adds a little extra flair to his step, strutting like he’s on the red carpet accepting an award. He adores meeting new people and playing with other dogs and thrives on any opportunity to connect and engage.
A quick learner with a passion for picking up new skills, Gruffalo is eager to make a difference. While confident and playful, he can sometimes be a little nervous around loud noises. In those moments, he looks to the people he trusts for reassurance that everything is okay.
Gruffalo is excited to join Canine Comprehension officially. He’ll bring his big heart, playful energy, and love for learning to help support our wonderful clients.
Maisey
Meet Maisey, the adorable black and white Spoodle who will soon be joining the Canine Comprehension team as a therapy dog. With her unique markings, it looks like she’s dressed in white spotty pants and a black cardigan, making her as stylish as she is sweet. Her soft, fluffy fur and gentle nature make her the perfect companion to curl up beside for a cozy pat—something Maisey absolutely loves.
Maisey is full of confidence and curiosity, sometimes a little too much! She’s fearless, needing gentle reminders to steer clear of horses and cattle, who may not appreciate her playful energy. She’s a water lover at heart, always ready for a splash, and delights in getting other dogs to chase her during playtime.
Maisey’s enthusiasm for life, love for others, and playful spirit make her a perfect fit for the Canine Comprehension family. She’s eagerly awaiting the day she can bring her joy and charm to our clients, spreading smiles and support wherever she goes!