Lutheran Care’s ‘paw-some’ third and final television advertisement in its latest Foster Care campaign launched on Thursday 1 October, with a very special four-legged star taking centre stage.
Meet Split, a very well-trained Border Collie who was more than ready for his close-up.
▶️WATCH THE AD: Hit play above to watch ‘Dog’.
The decision to feature a family dog also helps challenge a common misconception about foster care: that you can’t have pets if you become a foster carer. You absolutely can. Pets can be an important part of family life, and for children or young people in care, they can also become a source of comfort, connection and companionship.
In the ad, a family gathers around the breakfast table while their foster daughter is woken by the family dog. The friendly canine encourages her out of her bedroom and down the hallway to join the rest of the family for breakfast.
Getting the perfect shot of Split jumping up to wake his young co-star was no small feat. The scene was filmed in a tight bedroom, with multiple people, cameras and sound equipment all around. But after some careful coordination and plenty of patience, the shot was captured.
Having breakfast together is a simple family ritual, but it can mean so much to a child or young person in care. Sharing breakfast, being greeted by a much-loved family pet and knowing what to expect each morning can help create a sense of familiarity, belonging and connection.
The ad is the third in a three-part series exploring how small moments can make a big impact in the lives of children and young people in care. The other two ads in the series, Kick and Fort, each highlight another everyday family moment that can help a child feel included and part of family life.
Lutheran Care has again partnered with Adelaide-based creative agency WO Advertising on the new series, following the success of the previous Be the Village Foster Care campaign.
The new campaign continues the playful and joyful approach of the earlier series, shining a light on the mutual rewards of foster care for children and young people, as well as the families who welcome them into their lives.
The three new advertisements were filmed on location in South Brighton in May 2026 and will appear across free-to-air television, streaming channels and digital platforms.
The previous Be the Village campaign was named a finalist in the national Marketing Institute Awards in 2024.
Watch the ads and find out more:
▶️HIT PLAY (above) to watch Kick.
▶️HIT PLAY (above) to watch Fort.
Watch the previous Be the Village campaign
Interested in becoming a foster carer? Find out more about foster care with Lutheran Care.
RELATED CONTENT: Read profiles on some of our carers published under ‘A Snapshot from the Village’ for Foster and Kinship Carer Week 2026.