A Hunter organisation supporting victims of crime has seen how therapy dogs work "magic" with people going through the hardest of times.
The Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) in Newcastle is in talks to bring a highly-trained dog on board as their newest colleague.
The idea was sparked when a staff member's dog began coming into the office for visits.
"We saw this incredible opportunity for the impact it had for survivors that came through our door for support, and how that helped them to relax," VOCAL chief executive Sophie Wheeler said.
"It was a really fantastic way to meet someone for the first time and try to make them feel as comfortable and safe as possible."
A man who has experienced the assistance of VOCAL first-hand has a formal therapy dog.
Peter, who asked for his surname to be withheld due to what he has been through, said he had been through a "terrible situation" before he found VOCAL and was finally able to process it.
It was during this time that he got Labrador Tommy.
"These dogs are magic," Peter said.
"They take people from being locked into very terrible situations that they have been through over years or decades, and allow them to start the process of healing. That's the pure magic of therapy dogs."
He said Tommy did not answer back, was a good listener, and was extremely empathetic. Nothing Peter tells him scares him.
He described VOCAL as an "unbelievable asset to the community".
Ms Wheeler and VOCAL are talking with stakeholders and Guide Dogs Australia about launching a formal integrated therapy dog partnership to build on what they have already noticed.
The organisation planned to start fundraising soon.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp visited VOCAL on Hunter Street on Monday and met office dog Kenny, his little brother Teddy, and therapy dog Tommy.
Ms Catley said VOCAL would receive almost $2.5 million in funding over three years with the Department of Communities and Justice.
She said it meant the organisation had some stability for the coming years.
"VOCAL is an iconic institution in the Hunter region, helping thousands of people every year and it's critically important to have an organisation like this that is assisting victims going through some of the toughest times of their lives," she said.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand here ... just how important their role is in assisting people who are going through traumatic periods."
VOCAL has been a part of the Newcastle community for almost 40 years, providing a free service that helps victims of crime of all ages and needs.
