If you knew George Wilson, you would never forget him.
George was a deaf bulldog with a soft heart, a steady presence, and an incredible ability to sit exactly where he was needed most. For five years, he visited patients, families, doctors, nurses, and care teams in palliative care settings — especially at Port Kembla Hospital — offering comfort during moments when words often weren’t enough.
This is his story.
The beginning of George’s story
George Wilson was named after my father, as they shared the same birthday — 8 May. That connection was special from the very beginning, but I never imagined just how deeply George would come to shape my life, or the lives of so many people he met.
I have spent many years working with deaf dogs, including founding and running Deaf Dog Rescue Australia. Deaf dogs have always held a special place in my heart, and George came into my life during a time of profound grief and personal struggle after I lost both of my parents to cancer.
George became my healing presence first.
He was something steady when everything else felt uncertain. He gave me comfort, companionship, and a reason to keep moving forward during one of the hardest chapters of my life.
But George had a gift — he didn’t keep that comfort for himself or for me. He had a way of sharing it with everyone he met.
George in palliative care
When George began visiting palliative care settings, people quickly noticed something special about him.
People often described it as intuition.
George was trained using hand signals because he was deaf, but he experienced the world differently. He did not simply respond to commands — he responded to people.
He seemed to understand emotions, quiet moments, and the times when someone needed a little extra support.
He would choose where to go.
He would choose who to sit with.
He would choose when to stay.
I often say that you cannot train a dog to understand grief in the way George did.
He just knew.
At Port Kembla Hospital, George became part of the rhythm of care. Staff knew him. Patients looked forward to seeing him. Families asked when he would be visiting. He became a familiar and comforting presence during some of the most difficult moments people experience.
Of course, George was still George — gentle, loving, and very food motivated. He had a particular appreciation for the hospital tear room, especially if there was a possibility of finding scones.
That was part of his charm. He brought comfort, but he also brought smiles, laughter, and moments of normality.
Moments I will never forget
There are many moments with George that will stay with me forever.
One that stands out involved two family members sitting outside a hospital ward, trying to process the heartbreak of losing their father.
George walked over, climbed onto the chair between them, and simply sat there.
No prompting.
No direction.
No expectation.
He stayed with them.
Slowly, their grief shifted. They began to smile and laugh together for a moment. The pain was still there, but George reminded them that they were not facing it alone.
That was what George did best.
He did not take grief away.
He sat beside it.
A dog who changed more than one life
Over the years, I received countless messages from families and healthcare staff about the impact George had on them.
Some shared stories of how his visits brought comfort during end-of-life care. Others spoke about how he provided a moment of relief, connection, or happiness during days that were incredibly difficult.
One story that has stayed with me was from a woman who told me that an interaction with George encouraged her to arrange a breast check. That decision led to an early cancer diagnosis and treatment.
George was not a doctor. He was not a clinician. He did not diagnose illness.
But his presence created moments of connection, awareness, and courage.
The impact of what he gave people continued far beyond the moments he spent with them.
Saying goodbye to George
George very suddenly passed away on 12 October 2022 after unknowingly living with liver cancer for several months.
The date carried a deep emotional significance for my family, as it coincided with an important anniversary connected to my father.
George was deeply loved.
He was also deeply missed.
Losing him was incredibly painful, but I am grateful that his legacy continues through every person whose life he touched.
George Wilson: Ambassador for Therapy Dogs
George’s story is now being contributed to an upcoming book exploring his life and his role as an ambassador for therapy dogs in healthcare settings.
This project is about more than remembering George. It is about helping people understand the important role therapy animals can play in real-world care environments — particularly in palliative care, where emotional support and human connection are such important parts of wellbeing.
Through this book, we also hope to raise funds for the Port Kembla Palliative Care Ward in George Wilson’s memory, giving back to the place where he brought so much comfort and joy.
We want to hear from you
If you knew George Wilson, met him, or were impacted by his visits, I would love to hear from you at admin@workinganimals.com.au.
Your memories, stories, and reflections may become part of this book project. Photos are also warmly welcomed and may be included where appropriate.
You can contribute by sharing:
- Your personal story or experience with George;
- Memories from hospital visits or community events;
- Photos or special moments you captured with him;
- Reflections on what George’s presence meant to you or your loved ones.
No moment is too small.
Often, the smallest moments are the ones we remember the most.
George had an extraordinary ability to remind people that they were not alone.
If his story can continue to do that — through this book and through the voices of those who knew him — then George’s work is still continuing.
Thank you for being part of his story.
Jai Wilson
