From sheepdog to therapy dog: How Remi is bringing generations together

When Remi's working days on a sheep farm came to an end, nobody could have predicted the important role he would go on to play in the lives of both young people and older Australians.

The nine-year-old Border Collie cross was donated to youth charity RuffTRACK in 2024 after age made it difficult for him to continue working at the level expected of a farm dog.

RuffTRACK aims to engage with vulnerable young people and help them develop life and work skills to plan their future pathways. Remi lives at RuffTRACK's farm in the Hawkesbury region of New South Wales, where he has become a much-loved part of daily life.

Through the organisation's Healing Paws program, he supports the wellbeing of young people, helping them to build confidence, communication skills, trust and emotional regulation.

“Since joining RuffTRACK, Remi has become an incredibly important part of our program,” says RuffTRACK Operations Manager Tara Palffy.

“He has a very calm, gentle and intuitive nature. While he still has the intelligence and loyalty of a working dog, he is incredibly patient and affectionate with the young people in our program and the wider community. He seems to naturally know when someone needs comfort, connection or simply quiet companionship.”

Often, young people who struggle to engage with adults connect with Remi first, according to Tara.

“He provides comfort during difficult days and helps create a calm environment on the farm” she says.

A bridge between generations

Remi also participates in community wellbeing visits alongside RuffTRACK’s young people and Youth Workers, including nursing homes, childcare centres and other local organisations.

“During the visits to nursing homes, residents spend time patting, talking to and interacting with Remi. He calmly moves between residents, often sitting beside them or resting his head on their lap while they speak to him. Sometimes he even climbs onto their bed for a snuggle!” says Tara.

The effect is often immediate, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

“Many residents begin sharing stories about dogs they once owned, farm life, family memories or simply enjoy having that physical connection with an animal again,” says Tara. “Our young people involved in the visits also have a conversation with the residents and their families, which creates beautiful moments of connection between generations.”

Tara says the response from residents is always “incredibly positive”.

“Many immediately light up when they see him walk in. Even residents who may normally be withdrawn often become more engaged, conversational and emotionally expressive during the visits,” she explains.

“One moment that has really stayed with us was during a recent visit to Kurrajong Nursing Home with a resident who was unable to communicate verbally and was spending time with their family. As soon as Remi approached them, their whole expression changed. Their eyes lit up and they immediately began smiling while gently patting him.”

Their family shared that dogs had been an important part of their life and that having Remi there brought back something familiar and comforting.

“It was a really special moment to witness the connection they had with him without needing words. You could see how meaningful it was not only for them, but also for their family watching that interaction unfold,” adds Tara.

Impact on aged care residents

Staff at Kurrajong Nursing Home have also witnessed the positive impact Remi has on residents.

Sandy Barrett, Resident/Relative Liaison Officer, Admissions Coordinator and Activities Coordinator at the Home, recalls one resident who was usually quite withdrawn and preferred to remain in their room.

“During Remi’s visit, the resident became noticeably more engaged, smiling, speaking with staff, and spending time patting and interacting with Remi,” says Sandy. “Staff observed a significant positive change in mood and social interaction following the visit, which was very meaningful for everyone involved. Experiences like this highlight the therapeutic value that animal visits can provide within aged care.”

Kurrajong Nursing Home Director Terese Gatt remembers another resident who eagerly anticipated every visit from Remi.

“She would often ask staff throughout the week when Remi was coming back and became so excited on the day of the visit. When she saw Remi arrive, her whole face would light up,” says Terese. “She spent so much time patting Remi, talking to him, and laughing with the young men who came along for the visit. It was incredibly special to watch.”

Following the sessions, the resident would continue speaking about how beautiful and gentle Remi was and often reflected on how kind and respectful the young people from RuffTRACK were. She would happily spend days afterwards talking about her time with them to staff and other residents.

“The connection and joy these visits brought her were genuinely meaningful and something she truly treasured,” adds Terese.

More than a therapy dog

Therapy dogs offer many benefits for older people living in aged care, including companionship, emotional connection and opportunities for social engagement, Tara explains. For many older people, animals bring familiarity, routine and memories of home.

"Dogs have a unique ability to break down barriers without needing words. They can reduce feelings of loneliness, encourage social interaction and create moments of joy and calm,” she says. “We’ve seen firsthand how a simple interaction with Remi can completely shift someone’s mood and encourage meaningful engagement.”

Perhaps what makes Remi's story so special is that he seems to enjoy the visits just as much as the residents do.

“Remi genuinely seems to love being around people. He enjoys the attention, the pats and simply sitting quietly with residents. You can see how relaxed and content he is during visits,” says Tara.

“He especially seems drawn to people who may be quieter or sitting alone, which is something really special to witness.”

For a dog whose working days were thought to be behind him, Remi has found a remarkable new purpose. One visit, one cuddle and one wagging tail at a time, he is helping bring comfort, connection and joy to people who need it most.