Paws Up! Backtrack returns with pup cuddles

• Village News

Sonia Lim 15 May 2026

Our village staff are always looking for innovative and meaningful ways to enhance the daily lives of the residents in our care. One of the most successful initiatives facilitated by our lifestyle and care teams in RFBI Armidale Masonic Village is our regular monthly partnership with BackTrack’s ‘Paws Up’ program.

BackTrack is a renowned local organisation dedicated to supporting young people in the Armidale region through hands-on skills, education and community engagement. Their Paws Up canine program is a vital branch of their work and our team has worked closely with them to integrate regular pet therapy directly into our village life.

Organising regular visits involving young people and therapy dogs requires careful planning, coordination, and a deep understanding of resident needs. Our dedicated Leisure and Lifestyle team facilitates these monthly sessions to ensure they are safe, comfortable and tailored to provide the maximum emotional and cognitive benefit to residents.

From coordinating schedules to setting up welcoming communal spaces where residents and dogs can interact comfortably, our staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to make every visit a seamless success.

The impact of this facilitated program is visible in the broad smiles and laughter that fill the room during every visit. The regular presence of the BackTrack youth and their clever dogs brings immense joy, a sense of comfort and a vibrant energy to the village. For many residents, these sessions are a highly anticipated highlight of the month, offering a unique opportunity for intergenerational connection and tactile companionship.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our exceptional staff for driving this initiative forward and to the brilliant team and dogs at BackTrack for sharing their time with us. It is a partnership that truly demonstrates the power of a connected community.

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