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Meet German Shepherd Kali: the Australian Dog of the Year 2024
February 3, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
The Australian Dog of the Year 2024 has been crowned, with Kali the German Shepherd receiving this year’s prestigious acknowledgement.
We meet Kali, along with Heidi, who won this year’s People’s Choice Award, and the other special winners.
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Australian Dog of the Year 2024
It’s not only humans celebrated for their outstanding achievements, with some special dogs recently recognised for their remarkable, inspiring, and impactful contribution to society.
The Dog of the Year award celebrates the special contribution canines make to communities across the nation. It also highlights the remarkable roles they play in various sectors, such as medical assistance, therapy, conservation, and more.
From Medical Assistance and Therapy Dogs to Conservation Detection and Palliative Care Dogs (and every honourable pooch in between), the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year and People’s Choice Awards recognise canine companions that represent the essence of the Australian pooch.
Puppy Tales
“We celebrate these amazing dogs who’ve been a support, best friend and true companion to their people and communities,” Kerry Martin.
Puppy Tales is an online portal created by award-winning pet photographer and founder of Puppy Tales, Kerry Martin, that aims to help pet owners make the most of life with their dogs.
“In its fourth year, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards reminds us yet again how incredible dogs are!” says Kerry.
“We see how ordinary fur-citizens from around Australia have helped their people, made a difference to others.”
Amid exceptional entries, selecting a winner always proves a challenge for the Puppy Tales team.
“Each finalist is unique and makes the world a better place,” says Kerry.
“We celebrate these amazing dogs who’ve been a support, best friend and true companion to their people and communities.
“They may not have an incredible talent, but there’s no doubt they have all changed the lives of humans.
“Every dog is a winner!”
And the top dog winner is…
This year’s top honour, the Australian Dog of the Year, was awarded to Kali, a German Shepherd from Victoria. Known as ‘The Gentle, Trusted Therapy Dog’, Kali has worked with Sharyn Thompson for nearly 11 years as a Therapy Dog.
Kali is also a support for staff and patients in the emergency department, cancer care, and ambulance bay at Latrobe Regional Hospital.
During the 2020 bushfires, Kali was a furry shoulder to cry on for many locals in East Gippsland.
“When we first got there, I was putting the vest on Kali and a gentleman came up to us and asked, ‘Can I pat your dog?’,” Sharyn recalls.
“I said ‘Of course, that’s what she is there for!’
“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.”
and her representation of DOGS Victoria at public events.
Amongst her many, many achievements, Kali changed the life of a young girl by helping her overcome her severe fear of dogs.
Sharynn says the girl was so scared, she wouldn’t get out of the car at first. But, to Kali’s credit, just six weeks later she was happily walking with Kali and playing recall at the park!
Representing DOGS Victoria at expos, pet events, and presentations is another important role for Kali. She assists with information sessions for the Melbourne Univesrsity Medical Students, and she also attended Parliament House as part of a campaign to change puppy farm legislation.
“Kali’s nomination stood out in many ways,” said Kerry.
“Over a decade, Kali has done a lot to contribute to communities everywhere, from the Gippsland bushfires to Parliament to hospitals, schools and more.
“Her nomination was also uniquely written from Kali’s perspective.”
⇒ Kali’s owners chose Animal Aid for the charity to benefit from her win.
German Shepherd Kali and her owner, Sharyn (image supplied)
The canine People’s Choice Award winner
The People’s Choice Award was given to Heidi, an Australian Cattle Dog x Koolie, also from Victoria.
At 13 years of age, Heidi, known as “Heart Dog Making A Difference,” is honoured for her comforting presence.
Heidi has numerous championship titles with Dogs Australia and lives to make people happy, comforting them in times of need. This was especially true during the final days of her owner Cathy’s father who was suffering severe dementia.
Despite battling cancer herself, Heidi’s resilience and unwavering companionship have made her a beloved figure, embodying the spirit of the “classic Aussie Battler.”
“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 whacked by dad’s hand (by accident). His hands would stop and rest on her. She calmed him. It was during COVID (lock down) and nobody could visit. Heidi was dad’s constant companion and attended his funeral,” said Cathy.
“Heidi is a survivor, the epitome of the classic Aussie Battler,” says Cathy.
“She is ballzy, stoic, headstrong, so incredibly loving and loved beyond life itself.
“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.”
“The decision (for People’s Choice Award) is out of my control, says Kerry. “But I’m thrilled for Heidi! She’s a rescue that’s gone to do some amazing things in the dog world but also helped her human and her dad in very difficult circumstances.
⇒ Heidi’s charity is the Domestic Animal Rescue & Education (D.A.R.E Rescue)
Heidi (image supplied)
Special recognition awards for special dogs
A bonus prize – the Pet Circle Paws-itive Change Award – goes to Nessie for her extraordinary conservation detection work to save endangered wildlife in South Australia.
“Nessie is absolutely pawsome!” says award judge and lead vet at Pet Circle, Dr Belinda Stancombe.
“She’s not just a canine crusader safeguarding endangered Hooded Plovers and Pygmy Blue Tongue lizards, but she is a Search and Rescue pro, tracking down missing humans and dogs, all while being the heart and soul of the volunteer team.
“Nessie, is the tail-wagging hero we all need and why we chose her for the Pet Circle Paws-itive Change Award.”
The Puppy Tales team found all the finalists and many other nominations to be amazing dogs but would like to give a special mention to finalists Bella and Elkana Champ.
“Bella’s 16 years of service as a Search and Rescue dog is a phenomenal contribution.
“Search and Rescue is a difficult job for dog and handler and Bella has found and given closure to so many people and families,” Kerry says.
“Elkana Champ is a Champ! He’s had a broad range of achievements as a dog sports champion, a therapy dog and had a wonderful role in the life of his human, children, assisted living and others.”
Nessie received the Pawsitive Change award (image supplied)
Prizes and donations to charities
Winners, nominees and voters of the Australian Dog of the Year 2024 receive prizes worth more than $10,000. This includes $1,000 donation by Puppy Tales to the winner’s preferred charity and $250 to the People’s Choice’s chosen charity.
Ten voters in the People’s Choice Prize Draw also receive a $450 Puppy Tales Photography Gift Card.
Are you the pet parent of the next Dog of the Year? (image supplied) You can read about the WINNERS here and other dogs selected in an incredible Finalist panel here
Nominations for Australian Dog of the Year 2025 are OPEN NOW:learn more and nominate your pooch online here.
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