Ollie the therapy dog and her handler Judi Sandilands-Cincotta have been busier than usual of late. Ollie, one of the hardest-working therapy dogs in the country, has joined Shellharbour Library in the lead up to Book Week Celebrations. Parents can book a slot for their children to read one-on-one with Ollie on August 8 and 15 as part of the library’s Paws and Pages Pawgust program.

“Ollie is a great listener and loves to have stories read to her from the children and youth of the Library. She is an expert at providing a mood boost and happy hello,” says Children’s and Youth Librarian Kellie John.

As well as improving childhood literacy at library visits Ollie continues to support teen mental health. Ollie recently joined founder of The Champions program Nic Newling during a talk the mental health advocate held for Year 11 students at Warilla High School. 

“This is Ollie’s second year joining one of Nic’s talks, which use storytelling as an opportunity for students to openly discuss topics that are difficult,” said Judi. “Guide Dog Shiko also came along to help students talk about difficult topics and to be on hand for anyone who needed some puppy cuddles.”

Natasha Clark, Warilla High School’s head teacher of wellbeing, says having Judi, Ollie and Shiko on site for the past three years is just one of the many ways the school provides support to both students and staff.



As well as visiting Warilla High School every week and Kiama and Bomaderry High School each fortnight, Ollie also provides support to victims of crime and staff at Wollongong court, pops in to visit police officers at the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command, ambulance staff at Barrack Heights and volunteers at Lifeline Sylvania each month.

It is little wonder that Olie was named as one of the Top 10 Hardest Working Dogs in Australia as part of the Dogs Down Under TV series which will air on Channel 10 next month. 

Dogs Down Under presenter Lara Shannon says she was “blown away” by the stories of canine companions like Ollie who are “saving lives, protecting the community and bringing together people from all walks of life through a common bond and love of dogs”. 

“The judges and I could never have imagined how hard it would be to select just ten finalists,” says Shannon. “We will be sharing as many of the stories that we can on social media and other platforms throughout the year, to recognise and celebrate the important role dogs play in our lives and the wider community”.

Keep an eye out for Ollie’s story when the Top 10 Finalists for the Most Talented, Hardest Working, Everyday Heroes and Sporting Legends categories go to air on September 7.