For the past seven years, physiotherapist Meredith Schwilk and her therapy dog Woofy have been better known as the 'flying physio' and the 'wag-tail wonder'.
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Together, the pair from On the Move Physio Services have been serving the central west, as well as remote townships in western NSW.
While Ms Schwilk's job is pretty self-explanatory, 11-year-old Woofy's can be a little harder to explain. However, it is absolutely crucial, his companion says. That's true especially when it comes to dealing with many stoic bushies.
"He plays a really big role. He is quite helpful at breaking down those fear barriers when you're seeing a new [health care] professional. It's interesting, people will just open up and tell you stuff that you may not have expected to hear," Ms Schwilk said.
One client that the pair encountered was a "gentleman who might not have been the type to go and get help for his mental health", Ms Schwilk explained. But because Woofy was there, the man was able to open up and reveal how much he was struggling.
"And that happens quite frequently," she said.
"He facilitates a safe environment which allows people to speak so then, for me as a healthcare professional, [I can] refer them appropriately - whether that be to a doctor or a social worker or a psychologist.
"I've heard some of the worst domestic violence stories because of the dog," Ms Schwilk added.
In the western NSW area where health care consultations can be few and far between for many people, it makes Woofie's role all the more crucial. Having him present can make a visit to him and his physio companion a one-stop-shop for some clients.
"Out west they have trouble getting OTs [Occupational Therapists], physios, speech [pathologists] - it's not just doctors."
Through coincidence, Woofy - a border collie cross cocker spaniel - had found his calling in life around the same time that Ms Schwilk decided to get her pilot's licence so she could take her physio services to more remote locations.
While the 'wagtail wonder dog' and the 'flying physio' have been driving rather than flying to Cobar since last yearr, they are still regular visitors and next month will celebrate their seven-year anniversary of servicing it.
The rest of the time, they operate out of their Orange practice with fellow physiotherapists Ron Postma and Rebecca Mulligan where Woofy is their "main meeter and greeter".
"Woofy never has Mondyitis. He's always so excited to see everybody.... He's not just for the patients, he makes our team feel better," Ms Schwilk said.
"Woofy is a special dog. He really is a very, very gentle soul... He's a quiet nuzzler (who is) quite respectful.
"Previous receptionists have said it's been really interesting to watch him just go to the person in the waiting room that really needs a bit of a nuzzle. He'll go and be friendly to everyone, but seems to pick out the ones that just need a little bit of loving.
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