Born on June 3, 2023, sponsored and named by the Lions Club of Goolwa, Elsa the Labradoodle showed promise from the moment she opened her eyes. At just 8 weeks old, she entered the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs puppy program, learning basic commands and exploring new environments with her devoted foster family. Elsa’s early training wasn’t just about obedience—it laid the foundation for a confident, well-adjusted future Assistance Dog.
Her foster family, experienced after raising Airlie (now a Diabetic Alert Dog), guided Elsa’s growth with love and dedication. Elsa’s playful personality flourished—especially her cheeky habit of stealing the kids’ toys—and she quickly bonded with Airlie while picking up early cues and routines.
In June 2024, Elsa transitioned to formal training, mastering sound recognition and public access work over six months. Her progress was outstanding, and her foster family returned for a final emotional farewell.
On February 17, 2025, freshly pampered and ready, Elsa made the journey to her new home on Kangaroo Island. Unfazed by winding roads and a rocky ferry, she arrived calm and happy to meet her new recipient. Her beachfront home provides daily walks, open space, and a peaceful environment to continue thriving.
Training resumed the next day with sound alerts such as door knocks, oven timers, and alarms. Elsa adapted swiftly, even adjusting to new tones in the larger home. Daily outings to the school, café, supermarket, and beach helped reinforce her skills and public manners.
A special classroom visit let children learn about Elsa’s job—and why she can’t be cuddled while in uniform.
The local Lions Club now supports her follow-up training, visiting three times weekly to run sound tests. With near-perfect scores, Elsa continues to prove she’s not only capable—but deeply loved and making a difference.