Angus provides golden touch for St John WA’s frontline team

When it comes to our awesome team members, St John WA doesn’t like to play favourites.

But it’s pretty safe to say Angus is our best Good Boy.

A golden retriever whose handler – Karen ‘Hoppa’ Hollings – has a heart of gold, Angus has become an important part of St John WA’s Wellbeing initiatives.

Under Hoppa’s Dogs 4 First Responders program, five-year-old Angus provides vital emotional support to ambulance crews and hospital staff who face high-pressure and often traumatic situations.

Recently, Angus comforted Emergency Department teams at Rockingham Hospital following the sudden passing of a much-loved nurse.

Hoppa’s own experience as a paramedic inspired the passion project.

Eleven years ago, she developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being assaulted by a patient while on duty — an incident that left her seriously injured and unsure if she would ever return to work.

Hoppa credits her doctor’s therapy dog for helping her recover both physically and mentally.

“In the midst of anger and shame while coming to terms with PTSD, I would find moments of happiness just driving to pick up the dog,” she said.

“I’ve seen first-hand how a dog’s presence can break down barriers, spark conversation, and bring people together.”

Her idea for the program was sparked by a powerful image from 9/11, showing a first responder sharing a moment with her dog amid the devastation.

“Even surrounded by chaos, that small moment of connection stood out,” Hoppa said.

Since launching the program, Hoppa has welcomed four more dogs — Oscar, Mabel, Luther, and Koda — along with their experienced handlers.

Each handler brings at least 15 years of frontline service and is trained in mental health first aid, offering peers a safe, understanding space to talk through their emotions.

St John WA Clinical Psychologist Janice Wong said the program provided an innovative approach to supporting staff wellbeing.

“Research shows that dogs can sense human emotions, and their presence can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s difficult for first responders to open up about their experiences, but interacting with therapy dogs can make those conversations easier and less intimidating.”

St John WA Group Chief Executive Kevin Brown said he was proud to support the initiative.

“After difficult and confronting jobs, having the opportunity to debrief in a safe environment is essential,” he said.

“Programs like this play a vital role in ensuring the ongoing wellbeing of our frontline teams.”