[Pet Stories] Ernie on Duty: Luxembourg’s Sweetest Helper
- johannabaur01
- 7 days ago
- 7 min read
Pets bring unconditional love and laughter. Ernie brings something a little extra: change.
In today’s Pet Story, we meet Claude and her dog Ernie (Den Ernie) — a certified social-pedagogical companion dog who brings comfort, connection, and confidence to children, seniors, and people with disabilities across Luxembourg.
Their story isn’t just heartwarming — it shows the quiet power animals can have in education, therapy, and everyday life. In our conversation, Claude shares how Ernie came into her life, the journey to becoming a companion-dog team, the meaningful moments they’ve witnessed, and what life looks like when your dog is also your work partner.
Their story reflects the kind of pet community Pet Pro Booking aims to connect: compassionate, supportive, and built around genuine care.
👩 🐕 Meet Claude & Ernie
Can you tell us how Ernie came into your life?
When my English bulldog Theo passed away, I felt that I couldn't be without a dog. However, it would have broken my heart once more to get another bulldog. The wound was too fresh, and I was afraid of comparing the new one to the old one. There was no one in the animal shelters who warmed my heart. I bought a dog encyclopaedia and looked at all the breeds, searching the internet for people-oriented dog breeds. I found all kinds of doodles, but also their numerous health problems. While reading about doodles, I came across the Australian Cobberdog breed. The search for a breeder proved difficult at first, as I didn't want a puppy that had to be transported by plane. I visited a breeder in Holland and fell in love with the breed, but my gut feeling about the breeder wasn't good, so I kept looking and found what I was looking for on my second attempt. Everything felt right here.
I think Theo has brought Ernie to my life to overcome my grief.
How did you choose his name?
I love old Luxembourgish names, therefore Ernie. Besides, Ernie from Sesame Street was my favourite character as a child. Somehow his hairstyle reminded me of Ernie.
How would you describe Ernie in three words?
Empathetic, clumsy, loving
What’s the funniest thing Ernie does?
He takes off our socks without being asked when we are lying on the sofa because he has learned to do this and thinks that if he takes off our socks, he will get a biscuit.
What’s the craziest or most “extra” thing you do for him?
Driving 9 hours to have him with us on holiday instead of getting on a plane
✨ Ernie’s Impact & Mission
What makes Ernie truly special — not just as a pet, but in his role as a social-pedagogical companion?
The eye contact
What kinds of training did Ernie go through to become a companion dog?
Ernie first attended puppy school with other puppies to learn basic discipline. After that, for organisational reasons, he had individual training 2-3 times a month. In January 2024, he took an aptitude test with me, and when he passed, we began training as a social education team at Mosel Dogs in Schweich. We completed this training in January 2025, submitted our final exam (concept portfolio and the exam video), passed, and began working in April 2025 after we had all the necessary paperwork together.
In which settings do you most often bring Ernie? And how did you choose those places?
Ernie has already worked with children in private settings to help them overcome their fear of dogs, as well as with senior citizens. In the summer, we had the opportunity to experience a wonderful project with a group of children from SOS Children's Villages. The project was called: Become a dog profi. We are currently working in two day care centers for people with intellectual disabilities and in two homes for people with multiple severe disabilities. During our training, we accompanied a boy with autism.
It is important to me that Ernie feels comfortable, has fun and that the co-workers support our work. I also make sure that the rules surrounding animal-assisted work are respected. I not only work animal-assisted, but also animal-protected. If this is not accepted by management or co-workers, I will end the collaboration.
What does a typical “work day” look like for Ernie?
First of all, we never go to work before 10 a.m. because Ernie doesn't like getting up early and I don't want to stress him out when he's eating and going for his walk. Then I pack my basket, and he knows that we're going to work. We drive to the workplace, where he gets his work harness on and we set up in the room/outdoor area. He always has a place to retreat to if it gets too much for him and he wants to rest or drink some fresh water. We take a maximum of eight clients into one room and the session lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. After the session, Ernie is allowed to run, play or sleep, whichever he prefers.
What changes / transformations have you seen in people after spending time with Ernie?
One Example: during our training, we worked with a boy with autism. During this time, he gained self-esteem, social skills and self-efficacy. His therapist and the school personnel pointed out the difference to his parents.
Why is animal-assisted pedagogy / therapy important to you?
This work is important because animals open many doors that remain closed to us humans. Animals build bridges between people. Dogs are extremely important aids in education, therapy and many other areas. I know that institutions and people who have seen the benefits of these interventions no longer want to be without this enrichment.
I do this work because I enjoy working with people, have a great deal of empathy and love for my fellow human beings, and really enjoy working with my dog. All those little magical moments I experience in this job inspire me to keep going.
I also see how much Ernie enjoys working. He wants to do something.
What are the most memorable moments you’ve had with Ernie during your visits?
Sad, bedridden people who lay motionless in bed with their eyes closed opened their eyes, caressed him and smiled.
Cramped hands that relaxed after feeling his fur or tongue.
People who can only speak individual words with great effort, who call out Ernie.
People standing in the cold, waiting to wave to Ernie again when we drive home.
What’s one thing you hope people remember after meeting Ernie?
His loving nature and gaze
🇱🇺 Life Together in Luxembourg
What’s Ernie’s favorite place or park in Luxembourg?
Ernie loves being in the woods, but he also comes with me to town, where he is warmly welcomed everywhere.
Any dog-friendly cafés/restaurants/places you love?
I avoid restaurants and bars where he is not welcome, even when I am out without him. Restaurants like Como, um Häffchen, Porta Vecchia. Koeppchen, Aka, and Kohinoor are very dog friendly.
Do you bring Ernie on vacation or weekend trips? How did you get him used to travelling?
We have taken Ernie with us everywhere we go from the very beginning so that he can get used to everything. We regularly take him to the mountains and the North Sea, but he has also already visited Antwerp and Normandy.
Ernie is not a fearful dog and is always very interested. When we are with him, the world is fine for him.
How do you see the pet community in Luxembourg? (For example: How do you stay in touch or informed? Where do you meet other pet parents? Are there places, groups, or moments where you feel the community spirit?)
I have friends and neighbours with dogs. I usually find out about companies in the dog industry through Instagram or because someone mentions them. The same goes for dog-friendly places.
What would you like to see more in Luxembourg and/or the pet community?
We need more input about dog sitters, vets and those who specialize in dental cleaning, for example.
What message would you like to share with pet owners and pet professionals in Luxembourg?
Please keep your dogs on a leash and do not let them say ‘hello’ without asking the owner first. We are often attacked by oh-so-lovely dogs.
🐾 Your Pet Journey & Experience
How has your relationship with animals evolved over the years?
I have had a dog around me ever since I was born, and during the few years when we were renting and didn't have a dog, something was missing. Dogs make life complete.
Thanks to Ernie, my dog has now also become my work colleague, which is a wonderful experience.
How does Ernie improve your life?
He makes me laugh every day and is the most reliable and best friend anyone could wish for.
What's the biggest lesson Ernie has taught you?
Enjoy every moment.
When choosing a pet professional (groomer, trainer, sitter, vet, photographer…), what matters most to you?
Respectful and professional conduct and that I can rely on the person. How they treat animals and the most important my gut feeling. I once went to a dog groomer where I thought the owner was Cruella from 101 Dalmatians. I was about to pack up Ernie and leave. I stayed in the neighbouring room, but never went back into her shop. You can feel when someone enjoys what he does or is just in it for the money.
How do you see a service like Pet Pro Booking fitting into the daily life of pet owners in Luxembourg? (For example: what would make it useful, important, or reassuring for you personally?)
As mentioned earlier, veterinarians, dog sitters, trainers and anyone who specialises in a particular field should be listed there and rated by users. Like Doctena and Salonkee. That would be very helpful.
🐶 PET PROFILE : Ernie
Name: Ernie
Birthday: 19/09/2022
Breed / Mix: Australian Cobberdog
Instagram/Facebook: den_ernie
Favorite Treat: Shrimps and Cheese
Favorite Toy: Blue Monster & Ball
