Wagging tails, paws and turning pages

By Sheree Hoddinett  

A wagging tail and a fluffy listening ear are helping children across the City of Moreton Bay fall in love with reading, one page at a time.  

For the past six years, City of Moreton Bay Libraries has proudly partnered with Story Dogs, a heart-warming program that pairs children with gentle, trained dogs who listen as they read aloud. What might seem like a simple idea has transformed the reading experience for countless local kids. 

Scout the Story Dog has been busy at Burpengary Library, setting tongues wagging with his calm and tender nature, which is already proving to be a hit amongst budding readers. 

Scout’s handler Narelle Mannaert said the five-year-old Border Collie was changing young lives one reading session at a time. 

“The parents and kids love Scout and are impressed with how well behaved and calm he is,” she said. “He loves being patted. And for the kids who are a bit unsure about dogs, he will roll over and let them rub his tummy. He’ll even give high fives and handshakes sometimes. 

“At the end of each session the kids can choose a Story Dog bookmark and a Scout sticker.” 

Ms Mannaert said Scout was a regular visitor to several different places, where he was always a welcome sight. 

“I always tell people Scout is from the couch potato line of Border Collies,” she said. “Since he was a puppy, I have taken him to the local aged care facility and my brother’s disabled home. He has also been going to school pick up since he was 12 weeks old, so he is used to all the kids exiting the school in a rush when the bell goes.” 

The clever canine began his Story Dogs journey back in June and fast became a star student. 

“When we first started at the school, the kids would say ‘I can't read, you know’ and I would just say ‘That's okay, neither can Scout’,” Ms Mannaert said. “Scout does not judge a child's reading ability. The kids love to pat Scout while they are reading - he is like a big fluffy and soft sensory tool. As a team we try to make reading fun and not stressful.” 

When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing. Through the unconditional love of a furry friend, children are discovering that reading can be fun, empowering and full of joy. 

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said he was delighted the long-running partnership between Story Dogs and council’s libraries continued to have such a profound impact on nurturing young minds. 

“When children are able to read to a dog, the outcomes are inspirational,” he said. “There’s something incredibly calming about reading to a dog. They’re naturally accepting and non-judgemental and this helps children relax, focus and build their confidence. It’s great to see Scout settle into Burpengary Library and I’m sure he’ll continue to be a popular pooch. I’m told the staff would all love to take him home.” 

The program offers 15-to-20-minute individual reading sessions for families and is often booked weeks out in advance due to its soaring popularity. 

“City of Moreton Bay Libraries are our treasured community spaces and working with Story Dogs helps to make children feel welcome,” Mayor Flannery said. “We encourage families to book early and book often via council’s website, so they don’t miss out on this special experience.” 

Story Dogs reading sessions are currently offered at City of Moreton Bay’s Bribie Island, Burpengary, Deception Bay and North Lakes libraries. 

 To book a session, visit moretonbay.events.mylibrary.digital and search for Story Dogs. To become a Story Dogs volunteer, visit www.storydogs.org.au.