Golden retriever trained as support dog transforms woman's life
Angel Oliver worked with MindDog Australia for a year to train Bentley, helping her manage severe anxiety and autism.
Angel Oliver struggles with severe anxiety, ADHD, autism and autoimmune issues. She couldn't enter crowded spaces or visit a supermarket.
A dog trainer suggested she train her pet as a support dog. Oliver worked with MindDog Australia for a year to certify Bentley.
Bentley now helps through companionship, deep pressure therapy and glucose monitoring. Oliver moved from Melbourne to Brisbane in 2024 and took over the Brisbane Dog Friendly page, which helped her build friendships when she arrived with none.
Queensland law keeps service dogs out of certain areas like procedure rooms and kitchens. But Oliver has faced some pushback from businesses despite Bentley's certification.
- MindDog Australia
- Training organisation
- One year
- Training duration
- Melbourne to Brisbane, 2024
- Relocation
- Golden retriever
- Dog breed
Why it mattersSupport dogs can make a real difference to people managing mental and physical health conditions. They help people live more independently and build stronger connections with others.
AustraliaQueensland residents managing anxiety or disability can explore certification of their pets as support animals through organisations like MindDog Australia.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
