Sebtus Kennels grew out of more than 15 years of showing and breeding poodles, paired with a strong background in disability support, behaviour observation and community-based work. The aim has always been the same: to raise dogs with steady temperaments, emotional intelligence and genuine suitability for real family life.

My work sits across animal welfare, youth support and community wellbeing. I’ve partnered with Headspace Bendigo, local schools and regional organisations to bring poodles into environments where calm, predictable dogs can make a real difference. Sebtus dogs are now involved in school-based emotional regulation programs, gentle grooming education for young people with disabilities, and wellness classes designed to help build confidence and social skills. These programs give people of all ages a safe, friendly place to learn grooming basics, understand dog behaviour and feel at ease around animals.

Advocacy is a large part of the work too. I’m committed to supporting autistic and ADHD individuals, and I’m active in creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ young people across regional Victoria. A lot of families fall through the cracks when it comes to behavioural support, emotional regulation and animal-assisted learning—so bridging that gap has become part of the purpose behind Sebtus.

Our dogs live in homes, not kennels. Selected males and females are placed in guardian families so they grow up stable, confident and well-adjusted. This allows us to keep breeding numbers low, maintain strong genetic diversity and ensure every dog has a real life with real people. The result is a line of poodles known for their gentle nature, predictable behaviour, and suitability for companion roles, NDIS support contexts and emotional support environments.

                                                   EXPERIENCE

Breeding & Animal Work

• 15+ years breeding and exhibiting miniature poodles

• Focus on temperament, structure and emotional steadiness

• Full understanding of Victorian animal welfare laws and the Code of Practice

• Experience raising dogs for companion roles and low-intensity therapy environments

• Referral-based reputation within the community

• Guardian placements already established

Disability, Youth & Community Programs

• Direct partnerships with Headspace Bendigo supporting wellbeing and youth engagement

• Poodles actively used in school-based programs for emotional regulation, handling confidence and social learning

• Hands-on grooming and wellness classes supporting young people with disabilities, teaching practical skills and building self-trust

• Mixed-age community classes providing a calm, inclusive space to learn about grooming, behaviour and positive dog handling

• Strong background in behaviour observation, communication support and tailored programs for neurodivergent young people

Advocacy & Inclusion

• Advocate for Autism and ADHD awareness, encouraging neuroaffirming approaches

• Ongoing involvement in supporting LGBTQ+ young people through visibility, education and safe community spaces

• Dedicated to reducing barriers in regional Victoria where families often have fewer options for inclusive programs and low-pressure learning environments