If you want to know who has the best job at Bracken House aged care facility in Dubbo, it’s the centre’s youngest “work experience” candidate: Tidda the Corgi.

Turning two in August, Tidda visits the UPA Western Region facility twice a week with her caring human (facility manager Jodie Nelson) and spends the day with the residents.

“She’s been locked in by the residents for two days’ minimum each week,” Jodie recently told Dubbo Photo News.

Young Tidda also needs no reminding about her work schedule, waiting patiently by the front door for Jodie every Tuesday and Thursday, ready to go to work.

“I don’t know how she knows [when it’s those days], but she does,” Jodie said.

We first met Tidda in December, 2023, when she was just a few months old and had already been visiting Bracken House for several weeks. We learned then that she would be trained as a therapy animal over a number of years to support the aged care residents by helping to reduce loneliness, increase happiness, and to improve mood.

She would also be a gentle reminder of the homes, pets, and lifestyles the residents have left.

Tidda quickly settled into a “work” routine spending time with many of the residents and staff. Tidda’s involvement with the facility has been very positive, Jodie said, with the young Corgi spreading happiness in her wake.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant – for Tidda, for the residents, and most staff,” Jodie added.

Some staff were still getting to know Tidda, Jodie said, and her interactions with them have improved. Tidda has also proven to be a calming presence at times when residents are approaching end-of-life. “I don’t know how, but she reads the room,” Jodie explained. “If we know someone’s at end-of-life, Tidda will go in and see them, quietly and cautiously. She just knows.”

Diversional therapist Katie Thornton said Tidda’s twice-weekly visits were welcomed by Bracken House residents. “Everyone loves her,” Katie said, indicating it was the first time that she had worked with dogs in a care setting. “It has come so naturally to Tidda. She brings smiles to everyone’s faces,” she added.

Tidda helps Katie to deliver the mail to residents, attends resident events and performances, and loves the fortnightly visit by Regand Park youngsters whose presence delights the residents.

“Tidda loves to come and say hi when they visit,” Katie said.

Dubbo Photo News will check back in with Bracken House around Tidda’s second birthday in August.