Melbourne, Australia, October 5, 2024, Dying with Dignity Victoria (DWDV) is delighted to announce the launch of our first Canine Ambassadors, Ollie and Mia. These extraordinary rescue dogs are set to transform how we approach conversations about death and dying.
Ollie, an Irish Wolfhound X, and Mia, a Deerhound X, have both overcome difficult beginnings to become symbols of compassion and connection. Despite their youth, they bring a wealth of experience in providing comfort and support, particularly in the context of palliative care and end-of-life planning. Their involvement aims to make discussions about these sensitive topics more accessible and less intimidating for people of all ages and circumstances.
Enhancing Quality of Life Through the Human-Animal Bond
The human-animal bond is a powerful force, deeply impacting our quality of life. The unconditional care, attention, and calm demeanour of dogs can uplift spirits, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging and love. This bond is especially valuable for those who are stressed, anxious, or facing difficult circumstances.
Research has shown that the presence of a dog can significantly enhance overall health and well-being, providing a calming influence that makes challenging conversations more manageable.
For many, discussions about death and dying remain taboo or extremely difficult. Some people are eager to engage in such conversations but struggle to find a supportive listener, often internalising their thoughts. Ollie and Mia are here to bridge that gap.
Ollie and Mia’s Role in Our Mission
As DWDV’s Canine Ambassadors, Ollie and Mia will be featured in a range of initiatives, including public events, community outreach programs, and social media campaigns. Their role is to highlight the importance of unconditional empathy, emotional support, and for many provide the warmth and comfort of the human-animal bond in vital end-of-life discussions.
“We are thrilled to introduce Ollie and Mia as our Canine Ambassadors,” said Jane Morris, President at DWDV.
Dying with Dignity Victoria is dedicated to advancing compassionate end-of-life choices and providing support for individuals and families. The addition of Ollie and Mia represents an exciting development in our mission to empower people to make decisions that align with their values and to promote dignity, respect, and compassion in all aspects of end-of-life care.
For more information about Dying with Dignity Victoria and our Canine Ambassadors, please contact Danielle Jacobs at pr***********@dw**.au or 0413 604 224.
About Dying with Dignity Victoria
Dying with Dignity Victoria is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for compassionate end-of-life care and supporting individuals in making informed choices about their own deaths. Our mission is to empower people to make decisions that align with their values and to promote dignity, respect, and compassion in all aspects of end-of-life care.
