Meet our latest health hero Chauvel (Chevy) who, along with his handler Lisa Tinney - Pet Assisted Therapy Service (PATS) is bringing joy and comfort to patients, families and staff at Maryborough and Hervey Bay Hospitals. This service is funded thanks to Partners In Care Together Foundation whose group of volunteers work tirelessly to support the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
How long have you been with WBHHS?
I started at Maryborough Hospital July 2025 and began at Hervey Bay hospital in February 2026.
How do you describe what you do?
My role as a therapy dog is to bring comfort, emotional support, and a little bit of calm to everyone I meet — patients, families, and all the hardworking staff.
I’m a bit different from other working dogs. I’m not a service dog who helps just one person with specific tasks. Instead, I work alongside my handler and visit lots of different people in the healthcare setting.
What's best about your job?
The best part of my job is something really simple — getting to help you feel a little bit calmer.
When you stop to pat me, or whisper hello, I can feel your worries soften. My waggy tail and friendly snuggles help lower stress and bring a bit of peace into busy, sometimes overwhelming days. That’s what I’m here for.
On those long, hard days in the hospital, I walk beside staff, patients, and families who might be feeling anxious, lonely, or scared. I can’t fix everything but I can sit with you, listen quietly, and remind you that you’re not alone.
When I trot into the children’s ward, I bring my biggest tail wags with me. Sometimes I’m a silly distraction, sometimes I’m a reason to get out of bed, and sometimes I’m just a soft friend to cuddle.
When I visit people who are feeling confused or forgetful, I see something special happen. Faces light up. Memories come back. Conversations feel easier. Together, we share calm moments that feel safe and familiar.
I also keep a special place in my heart for the nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers. You take care of everyone else, so I try my best to take care of you, too. If I can ease even a little stress or bring a small smile, I’ve done my job.
But my absolute favourite moment? It’s when I walk in and hear someone call my name, see a smile, or feel a gentle hand reach down to pat me.
Because I hope that when you see me, you feel the same warmth and happiness that I feel when I see you!
What was your path into health care?
This happened because of someone very special in my life — my handler and best friend, Lisa.
Lisa is a nurse at Maryborough Hospital, and she’s been helping people for over 20 years. That’s a very long time caring for others, and I think that’s one of the reasons we make such a good team. She understands people so well and she understands me too.
What does being part of a team mean to you?
Being part of a team is a really big part of my job. It’s not just me working on my own. I have my handler by my side, and together we make sure everyone we meet feels safe, calm, and cared for.
While I’m busy wagging my tail and saying hello, I’m always keeping one eye on my handler. I look to her for little cues and reassurance, and she’s very good at understanding me too. She can tell when I’m happy, when I need a moment, or when I’m ready to keep going. We trust each other, and that helps us do our job well.
Together, we visit lots of different places like busy wards, emergency departments (especially those very busy Monday mornings… we never say the “Quiet” word), and even ICU. There’s always a lot happening, but my handler helps me stay calm, focused, and predictable so I can be the best support I can be.
We move as a team, side by side, with the same goal to bring a little comfort, a little calm, and maybe even a smile to someone’s day.
I also hope that when people see us working together, it reminds them how important teamwork is. Hospitals can be very busy, demanding places, and just like me and my handler, everyone does their best when they support each other.
Because when we work together, we can help create not just better outcomes, but a kinder, happier place for everyone.
When you're not at work, you are...
When I’m not busy at the hospital, I have a pretty good home life too.
I live with Ruby, my 12-year-old Weimaraner. She’s very wise and has taught me all my best manners like how to be gentle, patient, and how to greet everyone kindly (even if my tail still gets a bit too excited sometimes!).
Then there are my two younger companions — Ollie and Milly. They’re both one and a half years old and full of energy. Ollie is already starting his own journey as a therapy dog and has begun working at Maryborough Hospital, which makes me very proud. Milly is right there beside him, learning and growing every day.
And of course there are the humans who live with us too. They make sure we’re looked after, loved, and ready to do our important work.
What do you enjoy about living in Wide Bay?
The weather is fantastic and I love my pool. There’s nothing better than a cool splash, a little paddle, and a shake afterwards (sorry in advance if you’re nearby!).
Tell us a fun fact about you.
My journey started quite young. I was only four months old when I first began attending Light Horse ceremonies and parades as a medic dog. My very first parade was in Melbourne for the Australia Day parade. It was a big day for such a little pup, but I think that’s when I realised just how much I love being around people.
Then, three years ago, I reached a very special milestone when I became an accredited therapy dog with Pet Assisted Therapy Services. That’s when my job helping people in hospitals really began, and it’s been my purpose ever since.
What's your favourite food?
When it comes to my meals, I like to keep things simple and healthy. Being a dog means I enjoy a good mix of meat and vegetables. That helps to keep me strong and happy.
Chevy and handler Lisa