Hugo the Therapy Dog is a best friend to everyone he meets.

When Kristy first thought a Therapy Dog could be beneficial for her daughter Lilly, she did not imagine the incredible impact Hugo, a black Labrador, would have on her community.

Lilly has now had Hugo for four years, and in that time Kristy has seen first-hand the companionship and trust he brings, both to Lilly and the whole community.

Of course, Hugo is Lilly’s buddy first and foremost. He gives her unwavering support at high school, at speech therapy sessions and her gymnastics classes. He is friendly, calming, and always there for her. This makes all the difference at a time that can be full of change and challenge.

But as well as supporting Lilly, Kristy says one of the incredible things about having Hugo is that he is “the best friend to everyone he meets.” Hugo’s loving, inquisitive nature has had a ripple effect that has reverberated far and wide.

This is especially apparent at Lilly’s school, Moss Vale High School, where Hugo’s role has expanded. He now regularly works with many of the students in the school’s support unit, including a fortnightly travel training session with Year Seven. This training session gives students important practical skills in moving around independently in the community but can also be challenging at times. When Hugo travels with the students, he provides unwavering companionship and a friendly face.

A Year 10 student in the support unit has also built a strong bond with Hugo and looks forward to seeing him each week.

Kristy says this friendship has given the student confidence and a new way to engage at school. “He’s such a good kid. He knows he can pat the dog, and not to touch his tummy,” she says.

Kristy, who works at the school, says the impact Hugo has had on the whole community is massive.

“Whenever I am working there without Hugo, the kids ask where he is and when his coming in next,” she says.

However, Hugo’s positive influence does not stop at school. When he goes with Lilly to her therapy sessions and exercise classes, he is a supportive presence for everyone around him. At Lilly’s gymnastics classes, Hugo provides comfort to a volunteer who is going through personal challenges.

“She quite often says, ‘Oh, I needed Hugo today.’ He brightens up her week whenever she sees him,” Kristy says.

At another class, one girl participating was initially hesitant and anxious about engaging. Now, Kristy says the girl looks forward to patting Hugo and walking with him each week.

Seeing this effect is particularly meaningful to Kristy and her family as before they decided to apply for a Therapy Dog, they were supporters of Guide Dogs. Kristy has given to Guide Dogs for 25 years, and she feels “Humbled, knowing where the money I have donated over the years goes.” She sees Hugo’s positive influence first-hand and knows how the support of a Therapy Dog can affect people, families and communities.

Krisy knows Lilly, the students at Moss Vale High School and everyone in the community who Hugo supports are more confident knowing they have a true friend by their side.