Support Dog Program

Hurstbridge Primary School Support Dog Program

Hurstbridge Primary School’s Support Dog Program began in 2018 after the school received a generous grant from Nillumbik Community Health. With this funding, we welcomed a black Labrador puppy named Zen from Josmyn Labradors.

Zen began attending school when she was just eight weeks old, allowing her to grow up surrounded by our students, staff and the everyday routines of school life. She later completed her formal training with K9 Support in Benalla and became our first official School Support Dog.

Zen quickly became a much-loved and important member of the Hurstbridge Primary School community. She visited classrooms, spent time in the library where students could read to her, and attended camps, excursions and special school events. A dedicated group of students, known as the “Zen Crew,” helped care for her during the school day. Her influence even became part of our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support program, with our student reward tokens named “Zen Coins” in her honour.

Through Zen, we saw firsthand the significant positive impact a support dog could have within a school environment. Students could spend time with Zen when they were feeling anxious, nervous or unsettled. The simple act of sitting with her, talking to her or giving her a pat often provided a calming and reassuring presence. She helped students settle into school in the mornings and provided companionship and emotional support throughout the day. Zen also worked alongside members of our wellbeing team, including counsellors and psychologists, becoming an integral part of the wellbeing support available to our students.

Sadly, Zen passed away in 2020 following complications from anti-venom treatment after a snake bite. Her loss was deeply felt across our entire school community. However, the enormous benefit we had seen from the Support Dog Program made us determined to continue Zen’s legacy.

Our Principal subsequently adopted Chloe, a Labrador from Morndew Labradors, who continued the wonderful work Zen had begun. For the next five years, Chloe became another treasured member of our school community, supporting generations of Hurstbridge students and families. Sadly, Chloe passed away following a short battle with cancer.

Welcoming Autumn

In 2025, we were delighted to begin the next chapter of our Support Dog Program by welcoming Autumn, a three-year-old Golden Retriever, to the Hurstbridge Primary School team.

Autumn began her life with Coal Valley Pups in Flynn, near Traralgon. Before joining Hurstbridge Primary School, Autumn had puppies of her own, some of whom have gone on to become Court Dogs and Service Dogs.

Autumn was adopted by our Principal and has completed her Support Dog training with K9 Support in Benalla. Her training incorporated the curriculum of The Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP), and she has also successfully met the requirements of the Public Access Test. Autumn’s ongoing veterinary care, including her vaccinations and general health needs, is supported by Greencross Vets Hurstbridge.

Like Zen and Chloe before her, Autumn has quickly become an important part of everyday life at Hurstbridge Primary School. She supports students across the school, participates in school activities and attends special events, camps and excursions. In 2026, she even travelled to Canberra with our Grade 5/6 students!

The story of Zen, Chloe and now Autumn reflects our long-term commitment to student wellbeing and the important role that animals can play in creating a calm, welcoming and supportive school environment.

What began with Zen in 2018 has grown into a valued and much-loved part of Hurstbridge Primary School. Autumn now proudly continues that legacy, bringing companionship, comfort and plenty of smiles to our students, staff and families.

Phuds Natural Dog Food https://www.phuds.com.au/

Raw and Fresh Dog Food https://rawandfresh.com.au

Snooza Dog Beds https://www.snooza.com.au/

Petway Pet Care Products https://petwaypetcare.com.au/

The Dog Ramp Company https://dogrampco.com.au/

K9 Support https://www.k9support.com.au

Impawtant Training https://impawtanttraining.com.au/#!/sbig%20wrvices

Ezydog Pet Products https://ezydog.com.au/

Trailz dog poo bags https://tailz.com.au/

Clear Dog Treats https://www.cleardog.com.a

Kong Dog Toys https://www.kongcompany.com/en-au/

Greencross Vets Hurstbridge https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/vets/hurstbridge/