Australia's 2024 dog of the year

Written by Monique Butterworth for Australian Seniors

How is it they always know, instinctively, when we could really do with that extra nose bump or snuggle?

These traits have not gone unnoticed by Puppy Tales photographer and founder of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards, Kerry Martin, who launched her search for the country’s favourite dogs in 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic.

"It was a terrible year for so many, but we saw countless people turning to their dogs, spending more time with them, welcoming new dogs, getting into tricks and other training,” says Kerry.

There are countless benefits of owning a dog, but when lockdowns and restrictions were being imposed, the sentiment for our four-legged pals grew even larger.

“The idea was born to celebrate these incredible dogs,” Kerry explains. “I don’t think two species have evolved to be quite so interdependent and have such a bond as humans and dogs. Dogs make lives better, often in very selfless ways, whether that is in the lives of their humans or making a wonderful contribution through the roles they play.

The Australian Dog of the Year Awards are one way to honour and recognise these amazing dogs, by awarding them the title of Dog of the Year. So, what criteria does a pooch need to be crowned Dog of the Year?

“Dogs most likely to become finalists are those that have made a contribution to their humans or within society or communities,” explains Kerry. “We aim to showcase all of the remarkable ways dogs help and support. Of course, there’s also the emotional reaction to the story shared.”

So, from this year’s list of very worthy nominees, from medical assistance and therapy dogs to conservation detection and palliative care dogs (and every honourable pooch in between), let’s meet this year’s Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards winners.

Australian Dog of the Year 2024

Kali, German shepherd

For more than a decade, therapy dog Kali has helped countless children and adults when it was needed most. Kali, 12, and her human, Sharyn Thompson, help children with literacy needs through Story Dogs, as well as support staff and patients in cancer care, and the emergency department and ambulance bay of Latrobe Regional Hospital.

Kali provided a furry shoulder to cry on during the 2020 East Gippsland bushfires. “We arrived, and as I was putting Kali’s vest on, a gentleman came up to us and asked if he could pat my dog. I said, of course! That’s what she is here for,” explains Sharyn. “He buried his face in her fur and cried. After a while, he said thank you and left. I went to sign in, in tears.”

Representing Dogs Victoria at events and presentations, Kali also changed the life of a young girl who had an extreme dog phobia. “She was so scared of dogs she couldn’t get out of the car to meet Kali. Six weeks later, the young girl was happily walking beside Kali and playing with her at the park.”

People’s Choice Award

Heidi, Australian cattle dog x koolie

RSPCA rescue Heidi, 13, is Cathy James’s best friend. Heidi lives to make people happy, comforting them in times of need. She also holds numerous championship titles with Dogs Australia in tracking, agility, obedience and tricks.

When Cathy’s father, who had severe dementia, came home from hospital for palliative care, Heidi was his constant companion. “Heidi was unbelievable, not leaving Dad’s side in his last days. She plopped herself beside him and did not move, even when she got accidentally whacked by Dad’s hand,” says Cathy. “Dad’s hands would stop and rest on her. She calmed him. It was during COVID and nobody could visit. Heidi was Dad’s constant companion and attended his funeral.”

Sadly, Heidi has cancer and nearly died while having chemotherapy. “Heidi is a survivor, the epitome of the classic Aussie battler,” says Cathy. “Anyone who meets Heidi knows there’s something incredibly special about her. Heidi and I live for each other. She is the dearest friend I will ever have.”

Paws-itive Change Award

Nessie, English springer spaniel

Hooded plovers and pygmy blue tongue lizards have a lot to thank Nessie for. Her extraordinary conservation detection work has saved endangered South Australian wildlife. She successfully located 180 fox dens that posed a grave threat to the survival of these tiny, ground-nesting birds and detected the pygmy blue tongue lizards in intricate spider burrows.

Nessie is also a proficient search and rescue dog, adept at trailing the scent of missing humans and dogs.