Ollie, a much-loved local support dog, has been named a winner in the 2025 Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Canine Hero Awards.

This award recognises the exceptional acts of courage, devotion, and selflessness performed by dogs across New South Wales.

Presented annually at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the Canine Hero Awards celebrate dogs who make a significant impact on their communities.

Ollie was recognised under the Companion Dog Award category, which honours dogs trained for support or assistance work, as well as pets who have demonstrated the canine-human bond in an extraordinary manner.

Adding to this honour, Ollie and his handler, Judi, have also been recognised with a regional 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award

Judi spends her days as a therapy dog handler with her five-year-old Labrador, Ollie, visiting high schools, courts, libraries, police, and ambulance stations across the region.

Their work provides much-needed smiles, support, and comfort to those who need it most, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness can have the most profound impact.

“A Therapy Dog lets someone know that they are important and that they matter. A person may just need that touch and that presence of a dog for a small window of time that they spend with the dog.”

Judi and Ollie also support Lifeline South Coast monthly, based in Wollongong, further extending their work in mental health and crisis support.

Ollie has been a vital presence in schools, including Campbelltown Performing Arts High School and Warilla High School, where he provides emotional support and companionship to students and staff.

Recently, she has been joined by Flint, a new addition to the Canine Court Program, expanding the reach of their work.

Ollie (on couch) with Flint at Campbelltown Performing Arts High School. Ollie and Flint work together in the Canine Court Program

Leah McKeown, pictured with Ollie and Flint, has been instrumental in facilitating their involvement in these initiatives.

Jan Grant, who runs Stylish Dogs in Wagga Wagga, has generously contributed to the program by crafting working vests for assistance dogs, including training vests for Integra Dogs and support animals like Ollie.

As part of this recognition, she gifted Ollie a new vest for the RAS Award, featuring the names of all the organisations where Ollie provides support.

Sydney Royal Domestic Animals Chair, John Bryson, highlighted the importance of these awards in showcasing the invaluable contributions of assistance and service dogs.

“The Canine Hero Awards provide a special opportunity for us to recognise the admirable deeds and range of services that dogs provide, and to share their wonderful stories with the wider community,” John Bryson said.

Ollie will receive a $1500 cash prize, courtesy of the Australasian Animal Registry (AAR), and his story will be featured in Dog News Australia and the Dogs NSW Journal.

She will also be honoured at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Monday 21 April 2025, alongside the prestigious ‘Best in Show’ awards.

With their comforting presence and well-earned reputations, Ollie and Flint continue to make a meaningful impact, proving that sometimes, the best support comes on four legs.