NOMAD
Counselling and Wellness

I found Little Gherkin (or "Gherki" for short) as a 'rescue' puppy in California in 2011. He was originally rescued from a life on the streets, searching through rubbish bins for food to survive at only four months old. He travelled with me all the way to Brisbane in 2012 and early on I knew that his job would be to comfort people and invite a space for healing.​Sadly, Gherki was laid to rest in June 2022 after seven years of 'employment' as a therapy pet practitioner. He was just shy of 11 years old. Living quite the extraordinary life (fun fact: he is also in the Guinness World Book of Records!), Gherki touched the lives of many. He made appearances at the college I teach at, touching the hearts of both students and admin staff; was the star of a webinar on Animal Assisted Therapy held at the college; was guest star at a comedy show (no joke!); touched the lives of those working in corporate Australia when I was contracted to provide counselling for staff (and to be fair, provided far better support with his wagging tail, kisses, and playful energy!); brought calm and cuddles to thousands of counselling sessions, and was an unconditionally loving constant not just for me, but for the hundreds of people who we met at some of the most challenging times of their lives.​While I no longer offer Animal Assisted Therapy, his tribute will remain on this site as he was such special co-worker and best friend to me for the majority of my practice as well as healer to so many during his lifetime.