This week we welcomed Vanessa and Graeme from Story Dogs with Cobey the golden retriever.

 

What an interesting evening with so many questions after their presentation.

 

We have met Vanessa in the past, but Graeme was a first timer to Barwon.

 

A boilermaker by trade he discovered Story Dogs while walking his dog Cobey when told by another dog walker that Cobey would be great for Story Dogs, and he made it happen.

 

You can tell Graeme enjoys the role he plays.

 

The vision of Story Dogs is to make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers.

 

Their Mission Statement is to Create a safe, fun, supportive, non- judgemental environment for primary school children needing assistance with literacy.

 

Cobey Sam and Madge are the 3 dogs that Barwon support, helping 15 children each year, and as Vanessa says it’s not just a reading ability it is the confidence that come with it. 2800 children across Australia each week sit and read to a dog.

 

It has no Government funding and cost $600 a year for each dog, so relies on donations.