This year’s Loneliness Awareness Week (August 4–10) centres on the theme #MomentsMatter, celebrating the real, meaningful moments that help young people feel connected, whether at home, work, school, online or in the community.

For 24-year-old Sydney local Maddy Willsher, those moments often come from the joyful connections she shares with her two beloved pets: Sultan, a quirky and affectionate Bengal cat she’s had since childhood, and Teddy, a rescue German Shorthaired Pointer whose companionship has transformed her daily life.

During a challenging period in her life, marked by her parents moving interstate and a painful injury that forced her to stop nearly all her activities and take time off work, Maddi began to feel increasingly isolated. But through the moments that mattered with her four-legged companions, she found strength, healing and joy that helped carry her through.

This is Maddy’s story.

“Sultan (Bengal cat) came into my life when I was 12 years old, not by chance but after months of begging my parents for a cat. As I’m sure every child who wants a pet does, I wrote a letter to my parents stating my case and ensuring I would be responsible for the cat. One day they finally caved, and the rest is history!

At 12 years old I did not envision the amount of comfort and a reassurance such a small animal would have on my life. Sultan is just about to turn 12 years old, and he is the light of my life, the funniest cat I know (not biased at all I promise!) whose comedic timing needs to be studied.

He is a very strange boy who has A LOT of attitude. As soon as I return home and he hears my voice, he makes himself known and will meow until he is picked up and given a treat. He is an extremely loving and cuddly boy, constantly readjusting himself to get as close as he can to me.

He is also very much a boy of routine; each morning while I’m getting ready, he will sit on the balcony watching the birds and soaking up the sun. Every night, without fail, he will have his ‘mad ½ hour’ where he runs around the house, chasing the ribbon toys, scratching his post, jumping on the bed, shower, sink and ankles!

Teddy (German Shorthaired Pointer dog) I rescued in 2021 from a pound in Canberra. My childhood dog, Arty (also a GSP), passed the previous year and I deeply struggled with not having a dog in my life, having grown up with one since I was 5 years old.

I was part of a GSP rescue Queensland Facebook page and we had originally applied to rescue a different dog through them; however this adoption fell through, but the universe had other plans. A few days later we learned about an 18-month-old boy who was up for adoption in a pound in Canberra. Three days later I travelled down to Canberra to rescue my boy!

Teddy is 5 years old now and he is my greatest joy. He was quite a troubled boy when I first rescued him – scared of so many things, people and dogs. Now he is a well-known boy at all the local cafes (puppuccino please!), has a couple dog friends and curious about everything no matter how scared he is, he will face it. He is the thing I am most proud of in my life.

Teddy has more personality and attitude than any other dog I have met, constantly talking to me. As soon as I’m home, taking too long to go on a walk or get dinner, he gives me a “woo woo woo”! He howls along to all the emergency sirens, the fire truck being his favourite.

I love seeing the world through his eyes, he forces me to get out of the house, slow down, and just focus on being in the moment.

I feel blessed I get to do this every day with Teddy, and it still brings me the greatest joy seeing his face and feeling the unconditional love he has for me!

How Sultan and Teddy eased the loneliness

The last six months have been particularly difficult for me. My parents moved interstate and then I injured myself, forcing me to stop almost all activities and have time off work. I was beginning to feel a bit isolated, alone and difficult to do most things myself without help.

While I was off work, I went to the beach everyday with Teddy and we would just sit together watching the world go by. It is one of my favourite things to go on a dog walk and just watch the world through his eyes. It sounds incredibly cliché; however it just makes all my problems feel so small or even disappear.

Whenever I am feeling sad, it is like my boys can sense it. Teddy will sit right on top of me (all 30kg!) and lick my tears away, then will bring me his toy or he’ll just get the crazies and make me laugh. Whereas Sultan just sits with me and purrs. These small actions allow me to get out of my head, focus on them and without fail will make me laugh and feel better every single time.

Teddy and Sultan bring me joy daily. I love coming home to them, hearing Teddy’s tail hitting the wall at the front door, being greeted every day with “woo woo”, hearing their paw stomps walking round the house, and Sultan constantly crying until I pick him up.

Even after a challenging day at work, there is nothing that makes me feel better than going for a walk/run with Ted! Whenever I am away from home, I look forward to seeing them again knowing the unconditional love that I receive from them!

Teddy and Sultan bring joy to others, too

One of my favourite things to see while walking Ted is watching the joy he brings others. The simple act of seeing him gives them a smile as they continue with their day. So not only is he bringing joy into my life, but to strangers as well.

I have had countless conversations with strangers about Teddy or dogs in general. At least once a week someone will come up to us and tell me about their GSP.

The same goes for Sultan; although he does not go out, sharing his pictures and personality quirks brings endless joy to everyone.

Over the last four years Teddy has taught me so much. While training him, he taught me patience, that not everything has to be perfect, and nothing always goes to plan. He is still nervous around dogs and people, so this has also forced me to advocate for him and speak up for him.

Prior to Teddy I was very much a person who would let people cross boundaries; however, Teddy has given me the confidence to advocate for him and myself, protecting ourselves first rather than other people’s feelings.

I also discovered my love for running because of Teddy! What began as a means to get his energy out, turned into training for a 50km run with him. We have run places and distances together I never imagined I could have. He is the best running buddy I could ask for, keeping me company for 3-to-4 hour long runs that I never would do without him. He is also a well-loved member of my running club!

Fostering or adoption a pet may be the best decision you'll ever make

To anyone considering adopting or fostering a pet I would say do it! Do your research, know what you’re getting yourself into and plan. Your life might look a little different to before – you have a little creature to come home to.

You might not be able to go out as much; however, these little animals will bring more joy to your life than you could have ever imagined, and you will never ever regret spending too much time with your pet.

Even on your worst days when you feel alone, they are there for you. They might not be able to say anything, but the comfort of just having them there is unmatched. I know there is a day where I won’t have my boys by my side anymore, so I want to spend as much time as I can with them. They truly are my greatest joy.”

People2People is not a full-time pet office, but they do welcome occasional visits to their Brisbane office from furry colleagues, like Charli the Cavoodle – expert napper and professional mood-lifter.

“Charli is calm, friendly and great with people,” says her owner Kristina Radin, senior consultant at People2People, which has offices across Australia, New Zealand (Frog Recruitment) and the United Kingdom.

“She doesn’t bark or run around. Instead, she quietly follows me around the office or naps in a sunny spot. Charli visits around once or twice a month, and when she’s in, everyone smiles a bit more.”

Before Charli’s first visit, their branch manager checked in with the team to make sure everyone was comfortable. With no concerns raised, they gave the ‘wag of approval’ for Charli’s visits! Now, the friendly pooch pops in a couple of times a month, keeping things fun, but still professional.

“Charli creates a nice break in the day,” says Kristina. “People take a moment to pat her, have a chat or go for a short walk at lunch. She lightens the mood and encourages connection across teams. Even a few minutes with Charli can reduce stress and help people reset. It’s a small thing, but it has a real effect on the atmosphere.”

But while Charli’s presence is a welcome one, Kristina says it’s just as important to make sure her visits work for everyone in the office.

“That’s why we checked with the whole team before Charli’s first visit. There were no issues, and we’ve had very little turnover since. But we do check in with any new employees when they start. If someone had allergies or wasn’t comfortable, we’d make changes: Charli would stay in a separate area or skip the visit. It’s about keeping the space safe and respectful for everyone,” she says.

People2People encourages more offices to adopt pet-friendly policies.

“Pets in the office, when done right, can lift morale and help build stronger team bonds,” says Kristina. “It’s not about turning the office into a kennel, it’s about flexibility and wellbeing. Even a few visits a year can make a big difference. More workplaces could benefit by allowing it in a controlled, thoughtful way.”

Who’s Australia’s Top Office Dog?

OzTopDog is a national, annual competition established in 2020 by People2People that celebrates the role dogs play in our lives and workplaces. The Top Office Dog category was created to highlight the unique ways dogs like Charli bring value to the workday.

“We see entries from all types of offices: dogs that greet clients, join video calls or offer comfort during busy periods. Each one has a story that shows how dogs can be more than pets: they’re part of the team!” says Kristina.

You can learn more or enter at www.people2people.com.au/oztopdog

Chalky is a 10-year-old Cattle Dog cross who’s been coming into the office for a year – tail wagging and ready for treats!

“Having Chalky in the office reduces stress and encourages activity throughout the day,” Julie says. “Unfortunately, he’s not the best worker and sleeps most of the day! But he does love a meeting and follows people around throughout the day.”

The company’s pet-friendly policy is casual but considerate. At times, there’s been another office dog on the team, and the owners would simply coordinate which days each pup came in.

“We have one person in the office with allergies, so Chalky doesn’t come in when that person is there,” Julie explains.

She acknowledges that not every workplace or worker is suited to having pets around.

“Pet-friendly workplaces are still the exception these days, but I think there are many environments that would benefit. It takes some structure to make it work, and acceptance that not everyone enjoys the company of animals.”

From Julie’s experience, having pets around helps foster a more connected and relaxed workplace.

“It can improve work-life balance and provide interaction for people who aren’t able to have pets at this time in their life, for whatever reason,” she says. “At the moment I’m the only person at Pepperit with pets, so having Chalky in the office feels like Christmas.”

Julie encourages other workplaces to give pet-friendly policies a go, even on a limited basis.

“It doesn’t have to be an everyday event,” she says. “Even one or two days a week can make a difference for your employees. Start slow and see how it goes.”

“Benji comes to the clinic once a week. He has his own bed and rope toy at work!” says Deb. “He’s a ‘velcro dog’ so he doesn’t like being left at home alone. It’s comforting to know he’s being looked after while he’s at work with me and the staff.”

One of Deb’s clients, Isabel, a 15-year-old basketballer, began weekly sessions at Inspired Physiotherapy after tearing ligaments in her ankle during practice.

“Understandably, she was nervous at first and in pain,” says Deb. “Rehabilitation can be physically and emotionally challenging, particularly for teens recovering from injury.”

But that changed when Isabel met Benji.

“Benji was a real comfort to Isabel. He’d come over for a pat and help distract her while I worked on her injury. He made her laugh and helped make the sessions more fun and comfortable. It made a big difference,” she explains.

Benji isn’t just a support for young clients; he’s also a favourite in the mature-aged classes, providing entertainment as participants do their resistance exercises.

“He’s part of the atmosphere now, lifting everyone’s spirits,” Deb says. “So many people love Benji. It’s great that he gets to bring joy to their lives while we (therapists) get to help them as well.”

The benefits go both ways, as Benji gets to meet new people, build confidence and practice impulse control, which is important for a high-energy, social breed like the German Shorthaired Pointer, Deb says, adding “It’s also been great for Benji’s training.”

Of course, not everyone is a dog lover.

“One of our staff members is more of a cat person, so we try to make sure Benji’s distracted with something else when she’s around,” says Deb.

“Also, a few of our clients aren’t comfortable with dogs or are allergic, so that’s when Benji usually gets taken by reception to go on a toilet break or is relegated to the reception area for the client’s session.”

Deb is a strong advocate for pet-inclusive policies in the workplace.

“From our experience, pets in the workplace is good for all parties involved. It creates a talking point to form rapport and, for the most part, reduces stress. Free pet therapy!” she laughs.

Denise’s commitment was solidified when she met Joan Gladys Rawson B.E.M, the organisation’s trailblazing founder.

“From the humblest of beginnings, Miss Rawson’s tenacity gripped hold and there’s been no letting go!” she recalls. “There was a pull from a very early age. Dogs in need attracted me to the Dogs’ Homes, and Miss Rawson was waiting.”

Denise became a Director of Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania in 1977 and has held multiple leadership roles over the decades, including Secretary, Treasurer and Vice President. She was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2014.

Denise has also been hands-on in organising fundraising events like the Annual Button Day, coordinating midyear and Christmas appeals, managing the Canine Commendation Awards, and producing the annual calendar featuring hundreds of adopted dogs each year.

“In these roles, I always received help and support from other volunteers,” she says. “A team effort, supporting one another in working for the dogs in our care.”

Denise has worked to support the building and upgrades of the Dogs’ Homes located at Burnie, Devonport, Hobart and Launceston, and her greatest joy remains seeing dogs find loving, permanent homes.

“It is in giving we receive and every dog we help, every improvement made at the Dogs’ Homes – either in direct care for the dogs, improvements to the Homes or working with others to help dogs – is a joy!” she says.

What makes the Dogs’ Homes community so special for Denise is its shared devotion.

“Some of our staff and volunteers have served Tasmania’s beautiful dogs for decades,” she says. “We’ve walked together in good and difficult times. When facing challenges, we always ask, ‘What’s best for the dog?’ We work together to make that happen, year after year.”

Even after decades of service, Denise remains motivated by one clear reason: “Dogs still needing help.”

While awareness around animal welfare has grown, Denise acknowledges there’s still much to be done. “We want to be the best friends to dogs in Tasmania and that means every dog.”

Also, Denise believes the impact of volunteering, especially over the long term, extends well beyond the individual.

“If you feel passionate about a particular cause, do what you can for as long as you feel you are meant to contribute,” she says. “A benefit to the organisation is us having a background of understanding and experiences to call on as we continue to go forward doing our best for the dogs who need us.”

Maddie volunteers at Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), where she spends her spare time caring for cats and helping behind the scenes at the shelter

“I love animals, and I had time on my hands outside of swimming,” Maddie says. “I was already volunteering at Arundel Park Riding for Disabled, so I thought—why not spend more time doing something I love?”

Maddie’s day at the shelter is a busy one.

“When I arrive, I put my backpack in the cat kitchen and head up to the laundry, where I clean the litter trays, the food and water bowls, and the carriers—which can take up to nearly an hour depending on how much there is,” she explains. “I take the furniture outside to clean the cat fur off, then clean the rooms or pods. When things slow down, I spend some time with the cats and feed them.”

Spending time with the animals has been an emotional outlet for Maddie.

“I enjoy working with animals because they don’t judge you and can tell if you’re not having a good day,” she says. “I remember having a rough day at the end of last year, and being able to sit with the cats and pat them made me feel better.

“Volunteering has helped me because I can get away from things that may be affecting me at home or in the pool. Just being with the cats puts a smile on my face. Also, I am not the most social person, but to meet people who I volunteer with that have basically become my best friends is a really good reward for me.”

Maddie says animals have a lot to teach us.

“We as humans definitely should learn from animals because they teach us a lot of things that go on in life, and definitely about care and compassion. Because if you treat animals right, you should be able to treat other humans right as well,” she says.

 

Jocelyn’s connection to Lort Smith began in the 1960s, when her family’s first dog, Jamie (a stray she brought home covered in fleas) was in urgent need of veterinary care. Unable to pay the full cost up front, Jocelyn was told by Lort Smith she could pay in instalments. That gesture of compassion planted a seed.

“I always said, when I retire I’ll be doing what I can to help dogs,” she recalls. “That moment stayed with me.”

Jocelyn began her volunteer journey in 1996 and has since done just about everything —from knitting dog coats, blankets and enrichment toys, to handcrafting festive bone and fish-shaped Christmas bags and even button-eared sausage dogs that were a hit with kids and pet lovers alike.

Her creations were sold to raise funds for the hospital, with profits in the thousands during peak years. “Anything that could make a few dollars for the animals, I made it,” says Jocelyn.

Though no longer volunteering onsite due to health and mobility challenges, Jocelyn continues to sew and craft from home, raising money with the support of her community—friends who donate fabric, supplies and funds to help her efforts.

Jocelyn’s story is also one of resilience. A former nurse and cancer survivor, she has powered through breast cancer, two knee replacements, a broken neck and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic — all without losing her spark or sense of purpose.

When lockdowns restricted visits to Lort Smith, the pharmacy team brought her supplies so she could continue her volunteer work from home.

For Jocelyn, volunteering has always been about more than simply raising money—it’s about being there for animals in need.

“Animals never judge you. They don’t care how you look or what you’ve been through—they just know how to love,” she says. “I do things where I feel help is needed. I feel animals need me.”

Over the years, the Ford family adopted several dogs who lived long and happy lives, including their current “golden oldie,” Maple, a Chihuahua–Jack Russell cross. Then in 2016, Jean met a vet nurse who worked at Lort Smith and encouraged her to apply as a volunteer.

“I had just retired and wanted to give something back, preferably doing clerical work because of my professional background. but I ended up doing a shift in the laundry. After my first day, I said, ‘I can’t do it’... and I’m still doing the laundry!” she laughs.

Now at the age of 75, Jean volunteers at Lort Smith two mornings a week — and it’s hard work!

“You are forever lifting, filling machines and dryers, stocking shelves and taking out rubbish,” she says. “It can be smelly washing towels and blankets from beds and cages, as well as drapes from the operating theatre. It’s always busy, but it’s very rewarding. I’ve been behind a desk for years, so I do enjoy this. It keeps me fit.”

For Jean, the true impact of her volunteering is about supporting people and their pets when they need it most.

“My volunteer contribution can help people less fortunate access discounted veterinary care. Without Lort Smith, many wouldn’t be able to get their pets treated and that’s what I want to support,” she says.

One of Jean’s most memorable moments at Lort Smith was meeting a Staffy who had come from a backyard breeder and had cigarette burns on her back.

“I was very sad and angry, but I knew she had been rescued and would go to a lovely home. There would be no more suffering. It was a nice, sunny day after that. Made me go back and do more laundry!” she says.

Over the years, Jean has also made many friendships through volunteering.

“Volunteering has created a real feeling of community. It gives me satisfaction to be able to give back, and it’s rewarding to know I can do something to help out,” she says.

 

Monty came to the Kelly family at four months old and quickly showed everyone who’s boss.

“We were worried how a tiny cat would be in our household with three Kelpies, but he has no fear and is the one doing the tormenting! The dogs can't catch a break sometimes!” laughs Kate Kelly.

With his fearless attitude, Monty soon made the restaurant his second home, quickly earning the title of Chief Napper.

“Monty was always going to be the office cat. It's a good distraction for us and our staff and he loves getting out of the house,” says Kate.

“We have his second home set up there with beds, toys etc. I spend a lot of time at the office, so he likes sleeping in the window and walking over my keyboard! It's better for him than being home on his own and it gives the dogs a break and him a break. The office is also a storage space for extra furniture and our PA equipment for our production company, so there's plenty of things for him to play with and explore.”

Plus, everyone loves Monty!

“People often drop past to see him during the day as they know where he is. Monty also keeps the staff entertained during the quiet periods and on their breaks,” she says.

All of Kate’s pets play an important part in their life at home and business.

“All of our pets are rescues and we've had all of them since pups, so we've been able to raise them as a part of our family and they go everywhere with us: camping, boating, traveling. We are outnumbered by pets in our house!” she laughs.

“Our three dogs (Milo, Loki and Sophie) have also always taken turns to join us at work, so customers always expect a pet to be roaming around!”

Although Monty cannot be in the main venue - as there's no way to contain him - he does get to explore the place when the work is done, and staff is winding down from a busy night.

“The staff love seeing Monty and his antics. Perhaps down the track we may set up a catio for him during the cooler months so he can hang with the dogs in the alfresco,” she adds.

“The three dogs work at the gate with security at night, and everyone loves patting them on their way in; they get loads of love. It does sometimes take more time to get people out of the venue when we close as everyone wants to make sure they pat the dogs before they leave! Some people even get down on their bed with them and give them hugs! It keeps the crowd more subdued, and everyone just loves the dogs roaming through the crowd. Especially Loki as he's a red cloud Kelpie so you just hear "Red Dog!" being yelled through the venue. He is famous up here!”

It's not uncommon for businesses in Pilbara to have dogs wandering around, especially in the yards of the industrial areas. It may be less common to see a cat, but Kate thinks that may change!

“Monty has been raised with the dogs, so he doesn't know any different. He's very adventurous and not happy that he's stuck inside at the moment, watching the dogs outside through the front door,” says Kate.

Once Monty is a bit older, he'll be out camping with Kate and her family and maybe even boating!

“His harness training has been going very well! He gets his second vaccination next month so his adventures can begin properly,” says Kate.

Find out more about our member in Western Australia, SAFE Inc

Maz says pets are often in the office at Triple M Central Coast and staff are encouraged to bring their dogs into work any day of the week. This year, Triple M also hosted their first ever Puppy Bowl, a local spin on the Puppy Bowl which is hosted in the USA around the NFLs super bowl.

“The idea being whichever puppy went to the Puppy Bowl first won! We had our listeners represented by each pup and the winner walked away with $500!” said Maz.

Having her dog Happy at work also brings a smile to everyone’s face.

“He gets lots of pats and attention which he loves, and he gets to hang out with me during the day!” she says.

Happy came to Maz’s family as a rescue.

“We adopted Happy after my dad passed away, so he’s been a bit of a grief dog for me,” she said. “My son Henry just produced the name when we asked him what he would name a dog if we were to get one!

“Happy is almost 2 years old now and loves his daily walks with Mum (me). We also have four chickens that Happy loves rounding up in the yard. He loves Greek yoghurt, licky-mats as a treat and running free at the off-lead beach near our house. He is super social, although he has a strong dislike for our postman!"

Maz said she “absolutely love it when my colleagues brings their pet in to work. Of course, you need to be mindful that it is a good fit, the environment and the pup, to ensure that it’s a positive experience for all involved.”