Alex

Growing up on a farm in the Kiewa Valley, Alex has always had a deep affinity for animals. She has lived in various parts of Australia and the world before settling in Melbourne with her husband and two children.

With a lifelong involvement in education, Alex has taught and interacted with students from diverse backgrounds, each with unique skills, needs, abilities, and interests. Pressing re-start on her life in 2018, she added a Master’s degree to her study portfolio, while homeschooling her two children and is familiar with the challenges faced by students and families, particularly those with neuro-spicy members, from both personal and professional perspectives.

Volunteering as a foster mom for animals has always brought Alex joy, but when her 19th foster dog, Ziggy, charged through the door, she realised she could combine her passions for mental health, education, and animals.

Alex and Ziggy have been working with young people in various capacities, addressing issues such as school refusal, positive behaviour choices, autism spectrum disorders, self-harm, reintegration, confidence building, mental health, and other challenges. Alex firmly believes that animal-assisted therapy can help bring a smile to everyone’s faces (not just the students), smooth the bumpy path that life can hand you, and support the individual growth and development of young people.

The magic that animals bring to the lives of young people is invaluable. Combined with Alex's dedication to improving mental health and fostering personal growth, Alex and Ziggy make a dynamic team. Alex is eager to assist students in any way that she can to help them realise their potential and assist them in building invaluable lifelong skills for personal development.

She has always believed in the importance of building strong relationships with young people, providing them with a warm and accepting environment where they feel safe to grow and learn.

Ziggy

Ziggy is a 2-year-old Kelpie mix who had a challenging start to life. He was initially surrendered as part of an unwanted litter and again at a year old when his family could no longer care for him. In a lovely twist of fate, the first foster dogs Alex had previously found homes for were Ziggy's brothers, Flash and Arrow. Although Alex had not met Ziggy as a puppy, she and her family met him as a cheerful young dog looking for a family who could love him and his energetic nature.

His outstanding temperament and boundless enthusiasm for meeting people quickly became apparent, leading Alex and her family to adopt him permanently. He now lives with them, along with his human and fur siblings, various foster animals, and several tanks of fish.

In 2023, Ziggy completed his training with flying colours, just three months after joining Alex's family and quickly proved his natural affinity for working in schools. He is highly intuitive and is quick to make connections with people, whether they are outgoing or more reserved. Ziggy has a remarkable ability to understand individuals and improve their day.

Affectionately nicknamed Ziggle McWiggle (on account of his enthusiastic butt wagging) you are guaranteed a grin as he wiggles his whole body in excitement at the sheer joy of seeing you.

In his spare time, Ziggy loves to chase tennis balls, is an excellent wicketkeeper, soccer player, and snuggler. He is also a wonderful foster brother to a steady stream of dogs seeking their furever families. He also enjoys playing a game called boop-ball, which you might get to experience during our visits.

Ziggy loves his work and eagerly anticipates going out with Alex. He runs to the garage, ready to jump in the car, excited to see you all. Ziggy has already assisted many students with various social and emotional concerns and can’t wait to meet you.