For some children, the classroom can feel overwhelming.
Anxiety, trauma, learning challenges or difficult life experiences can make it hard to concentrate, participate or feel safe at school. For these students, reconnecting with learning often requires more than traditional support approaches.
Since 2018, MacKillop Family Services’ Paw Pals program has quietly been helping students take meaningful steps forward, one gentle interaction at a time.
Through the presence of specially trained therapy dogs and skilled facilitators, Paw Pals creates safe and supportive environments where children can regulate emotions, rebuild trust and re-engage with learning.
For the past five years, CDF has proudly partnered with MacKillop Family Services to support the continued growth of this program across schools.
Pictured above: Mackillop Family Services Paw Pal Therapy Dogs
Oliver’s story
By the age of eight, Oliver* had already experienced significant trauma and instability in his young life. Living in residential care and navigating multiple diagnoses including ADHD, autism and mild intellectual disability, Oliver found unfamiliar environments particularly challenging.
School felt overwhelming.

Emotional outbursts became common and his school attendance reduced to just a few hours per day. Learning felt out of reach.
Then Oliver met Marlowe.
Marlowe, a Paw Pals therapy dog, offered calm presence and quiet reassurance. Through regular interaction, Oliver began to feel safe again. He started to regulate his emotions, rebuild trust with adults and gradually re-engage with learning.
Over time, Oliver’s attendance increased to full school days. His emotional outbursts reduced and his confidence grew.
His story reflects the transformative impact that thoughtful, evidence-informed programs like Paw Pals can have when the right supports are in place.
“He actually ran out of the house to greet her…
I’ve got these beautiful photos of them where the dog is just lying next to him.”
Belinda, Education Specialist
Quiet impact across schools
Since its introduction, Paw Pals has supported students across a growing number of school communities, helping children overcome barriers that may otherwise prevent them from fully participating in education.
Program impact to date:
- 1,749+ students supported
- 6,709+ sessions delivered
- 15 Facilitators
- 21 Therapy Dogs
- Operating since 2018
- Servicing all Diocese in Victoria
Behind these numbers are stories of increased attendance, improved emotional regulation and renewed confidence in learning.
Programs like Paw Pals demonstrate the importance of early intervention and holistic support in helping young people remain connected to education and community.
Double your impact
From 20 – 24 April, CDF will act as a matched giving partner, meaning every donation made to the MacKillop Paw Pals Appeal during this period will be matched dollar-for-dollar, helping extend the reach of the program to more students who need support.
Donations contribute to:
- therapy dog training and care
- program delivery in schools
- specialist resources for students
- facilitator training and support
- program governance and safety frameworks
Together, we can help create supportive learning environments where more young people feel safe, confident and ready to participate in their education.
Support Paw Pals today
To learn more and support the Paw Pals program, visit: give.mackillop.org.au/paw-pals-2026
or read more about the program impact: mackillop.org.au/stories/paw-pals-2026
Share this article:
Related articles
CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
