Meet Jasmine – Our Therapy Dog in Training 🐾

If you’ve visited our clinic recently or joined us at Sense Rugby, you may have already had the joy of meeting Jasmine, our sweet and sociable therapy dog in training. With her wagging tail and gentle nature, Jasmine has quickly become a favourite among our team and clients alike!

Jasmine is currently completing her training to become a certified therapy dog, and we’re thrilled to share that her accreditation with Therapy Dogs NSW is booked for the end of the month. She’s been working hard alongside her handler Claire and has already started making a difference in the lives of the people she meets.

You’ll often find Jasmine trotting around the clinic with a big smile, or happily hanging out at Sense Rugby – her absolute favourite place to be. Whether she’s offering comfort during sessions or joining in with a playful energy that brings joy to the group, Jasmine has a natural ability to connect with people of all ages.

Why a Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs can play a powerful role in healthcare settings. The presence of a trained therapy dog like Jasmine offers a wide range of benefits for clients, including:

🐶 Emotional regulation and reduced anxiety – The calming presence of a dog can help ease nerves, especially in new or challenging situations.

🐶 Building trust and rapport – Interacting with a dog can create a sense of safety and connection, helping to establish trust between clients and therapists.

🐶 Encouraging communication – For some clients, especially children or those with communication challenges, a dog can provide a non-judgmental companion that encourages verbal and non-verbal interaction.

🐶 Motivation and engagement – Therapy sessions often feel more enjoyable and less clinical when a friendly face like Jasmine is involved, boosting motivation to participate.

🐶 Supporting sensory needs – Dogs provide soothing tactile input, which can be grounding and regulating for clients with sensory processing differences.

We’re incredibly proud of how far Jasmine has come, and we can’t wait to celebrate her official Therapy Dog accreditation later this month. Once accredited, Jasmine will be available to join more sessions and continue providing comfort, motivation, and smiles to our clients across our clinics and community programs.

So next time you visit us, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by a wagging tail and a gentle nuzzle – Jasmine is here to help, one paw at a time.