19 Nov 2014 – North Lakes Times

George the Labrador becomes Queenslands first ever Smart Pups Professional Support Dog

HE may not have made the grade as a Smart Pup, but George the labrador is pioneering the way forward for a new kind of assistance dog in Queensland.

At The Lakes College this week. George became the very first Smart Pup Professional Support Dog, and will work with behaviour Support Consultant Mandy Dovey to help children across 10 schools in Queensland.

The Australian charity normally trains assistance dogs to help improve the lives of children with autism and seizure-related syndromes.

Smart Pups director and founder Patricia McAlister said George’s development had opened up a new direction.  Read more…

22 Oct 2014 – CQ Uni News

‘Feminine Ideals’ linked to lower body satisfaction

CQUniversity Psychology student Mandy Naudin-Dovey is a former distance running champion who grew up in an environment where body image issues and eating disorders were the norm.

On the plus side, Mandy represented Australia as an athlete, but she also experienced her own body image ‘struggles’ during her late teens and early twenties.

Now working as a consultant with Education Queensland and operating a child behaviour support private practice, Mandy has come full circle by completing a student research study into the links between how people view gender roles, their investment in body image and their body satisfaction.  Read more…

 08 May 2014 – North Lakes Times

George is top of the class

George helping students at The Lakes College

THERAPY DOG HELPS SCHOOL.  A new furry friend is having an enormous impact on the wellbeing of students at The Lakes College.

George the labrador was originally destined to be a “Smart Pup”.  But after missing out on a few of the required categories to be a full-time assistance dog.  George was instead adopted by Lakes College behaviour support consultant Mandy Dovey.

“I saw the potential George had,” Ms Dovey said.

Now six and a half months old, George is in training to become a therapy dog, and accompanies Ms Dovey during her work at the college three days a week.

“He has all the qualities of a therapy dog.  He is happy and calm,” Ms Dovey said.  She said the reaction to George had been amazing.  “Even after just two weeks I can’t believe it.” she said.

George accompanies Ms Dovey on class visits as well as working with her during one-on-one consultations.  “Taking him to a classroom and the students know they have to be quiet for George,” she said.

Ms Dovey said George had helped students who had shown a reluctance to participate in school and was a calming influence.  Despite encouraging signs, George still has a way to go in his training.

Ms Dovey said he was trained three times a day.  “He brings so much joy to them (students).  They love him,” she said.

SMART PUPS are assistance dogs that help children with special needs in a variety of ways.  George may have missed out on being a smart pup, but there is still great need for more.  To help, visit smartpups.org.au