Walk into the Wyndham St office of All Saints Anglican School Shepparton and you’re likely to be greeted by a pair of bright eyes and a wagging tail.
The enthusiastic welcomer? None other than Harry, an endearing corgi and faithful companion to the school’s principal, Jim Laussen.
“So this is Harry and he is a corgi,” Mr Laussen said.
“I named him after my grandfather and that was because we had another family member who had named their dog after another grandparent.”
Harry came from a breeder in Mount Eliza specialising in long-eared corgis.
“Harry is our third dog that we’ve had from the same breeder,” Mr Laussen said.
This corgi became a part of Jim’s family two years ago when he was just an eight-week-old puppy.
When it comes to toys, Harry isn’t fussy.
“He has a plastic bone, he’s not that specific really. Anything he can chew,” Mr Laussen said.
“He chewed my shoes when I first got him.”
Harry’s ‘puppyhood’ was a daring and adventurous one.
Mr Laussen recalled a time they went on a holiday.
“(Harry’s) twin sister lives in Melbourne. And we went away for a weekend with the two of them when they were still puppies,” he said.
“We put them out in the backyard at our beach house while we were emptying the car and hadn’t quite realised how wet it was outside.
“So when we then got the puppies to come back inside — this is like 10 o’clock at night — they were muddy, soaking wet.
“It was hilarious, really.”
On the culinary front, Harry is a low-maintenance lad who enjoys dry dog food.
It’s clear that his simple needs are part of his charm.
“He’s a very happy dog,” Mr Laussen said.
“He’s very friendly.
“Sometimes too friendly with people, but he’s always happy.
“He’s a cuddler, as you can see.”
Mr Laussen said the love and joy Harry displayed when he returned from work, complete with jumps and an adorable welcome whine, only cemented their bond.
Additionally, their shared love for exploring on walks makes for an exciting partnership.
“We walk along the river — he loves it,” Mr Laussen said.
And as for Harry’s future?
“Next year I’m wanting to register him to be a wellbeing dog at the school,” Mr Laussen said.
“There’s a process you need to go through, but it’s a very good process.”
Harry’s already been charming visitors to the office.
“He meets people that come in. He’s been here for lots of student interviews,” Mr Laussen said.
Harry not only makes Mr Laussen’s life a bit brighter, but soon might be brightening the lives of students as well.