Mini's Compassion: Changing Lives with Victor, the Therapy Dog

Meet Mini, a devoted mentor with Canine Comprehension. Residing in Melbourne with her loving husband, two beautiful children, and a delightful furry family consisting of a Mini Schnauzer, a spirited Mini Schnauzer named Fruits, a charming Calico cat named Heidi Mu, and a Mini Poodle, Mini embodies a genuine love for both children and animals. With 15 years of experience in early childhood education, Mini's journey has been deeply influenced by her school experiences, where animals played a pivotal role in her well-being. She shares her inspiring story and partnership with Victor, the Mini Poodle in this interview.

Mini's Background:

Mini's career path started in early childhood education, where she thrived for 15 fulfilling years. Her unwavering love for children and her commitment to their social and emotional development fueled her passion. Having personally experienced the stress-relieving benefits of animals at home during her school years, Mini understood the profound impact animals could have on children's lives.

Introducing Victor:

Let us introduce the star of any classroom, Victor, the Mini Poodle. Victor's potential as a therapy dog was crystal clear during his training with Canine Comprehension's CEO, Sarah Macdonald. Mini and Victor attended training sessions where his gentle, loving nature and love for people, especially children, shone brightly every weekend. Victor's unconditional affection for everyone made him an ideal therapy dog candidate. Following his success in an intensive therapy dog training course, Victor now works with children all over Melbourne, bringing boundless joy wherever he goes.

Preparation for the Role:

Mini's extensive experience in early childhood education laid the foundation for her current role as a mentor. As part of the village that raises young children, she often recognises when children require additional support and collaborates with families and healthcare professionals to provide it. Her collaboration with occupational therapists, speech therapists, and child psychologists has enriched her toolkit of strategies for supporting children and their families. Additionally, her experience teaching life skills to young women in a live-in setting reinforced her understanding of the importance of support and non-judgment.

What Sets Canine Comprehension Apart:

Canine Comprehension stands out due to its remarkable curriculum, research-based programs, and the diverse backgrounds of its mentors. The organisation fosters a rich knowledge-sharing environment and mutual support, with each mentor bringing unique skills and experiences to the team. Canine Comprehension's dedication to teamwork and problem-solving ensures that every mentor can provide the best support to the children they work with.

Valuable Life Lessons:

Mini's students have imparted invaluable life lessons. They've taught her the importance of embracing fun, adapting to life's challenges, and staying flexible. Above all, they've shown her the significance of never judging others. Every person has their unique journey, experiences, and traumas. By accepting people where they are and helping them move forward, Mini and Victor have profoundly impacted countless lives.

Mini's unwavering commitment to her role as a mentor, alongside her beloved therapy dog, Victor, exemplifies the power of empathy, resilience, and acceptance. Their work embodies the core values of Canine Comprehension, spreading joy and support to the children they encounter. Their journey reminds us of the importance of kindness, understanding, and taking steps forward together, regardless of where we begin.