Anzac Day is a time of deep reflection for all Australians. As we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served, I find myself thinking about the incredible animal connection that exists in the most challenging environments.

A beautiful example of this is the story of Prince, a Labrador/Golden Retriever mix, and Luke Adamson, an Australian soldier who returned from Afghanistan with PTSD. When humans were struggling to help, Prince stepped in. He did not need words. He used his intuition to sense Luke's distress and lead him back to a place of peace. This reminds us that animals are intelligent, emotional beings who often see what we cannot.

You can watch their story here: https://youtu.be/2UXu9NNkzvc?si=s0nGQjaao75y04St

This long weekend on the Central Coast, I encourage you to honour the bond you share with your own pets. While they may not be service animals in a formal sense, they serve our hearts every day.

Practice a Scent and Sensory Walk. Instead of a brisk walk to a destination, let your dog lead. Allow them to stop and sniff every leaf and post. This scent walk is a sensory experience that lets them explore their world. It forces us to be present in the moment. This is a lesson animals are masters at teaching.

We will be taking some time to recharge as well. Avoca Drive Animal Hospital will be closed on Saturday, April 25th, and Monday, April 27th.

If a dog like Prince can help heal a soldier, imagine what ten minutes of true presence can do for your relationship with your pet.