Harry the Assistance Dog approves of ‘Lunchtimes in the Grounds’ at Government House June 4, 2020 By Adele Hollywood Local Assistance Dog ‘Harry’ and his owner have been making the most of the Perth sunshine and enjoying our lunchtime opening hours in the Government House Grounds. Along with some wonderful photos, Government House was delighted to receive a message from Harry’s owner which thanked both our garden team for their work in caring for the heritage-listed grounds, and the Governor for allowing members of the public to enjoy the space during the week, “Apart from the beauty and calm of the grounds it is also a great refuge for me during my working day. In addition, my Service Dog also benefits from and enjoys this wonderful space to walk without his service jacket on. Please find attached some pictures of him enjoying himself during his lunch break.” Harry is a Chocolate Labrador Retriever and has been going to work with his owner in the Perth CBD every day for the past two years. Harry’s owner served as a full time professional soldier in the Australian Regular Army and was allocated Harry through the Assistance Dogs Australia PTSD Program. Before becoming an Assistance Dog, Harry spent about a year with his puppy-raising family in Victoria and was trained at the Assistance Dogs Australia’s national training centre in Sydney for six months. Harry will remain with his current owner until his retirement (after approximately 10 years of service). Harry is described as an inquisitive dog who loves balls and children and his walks around Government House during lunchtime! We thank Harry and his owner for their kind words, and Assistance Dogs Australia for the important work they do in our community. The Grounds of Government House are open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 12pm-2pm. Bring a picnic or take a stroll and please remember to practice social distancing protocols. *Please note that only assistance dogs are allowed in the Grounds and must be kept on a lead at all times. Harry in front of the Government House Gates on St Georges Terrace Harry in the rose parterre at Government House Post navigation The Governor’s WA Day message to all West AustraliansGovernor congratulates 69 West Australians recognised in Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List View all Articles
