‘Simba’ and Leah

Simba is a kind, gentle and self-contained five year old male Rhodesian Ridgeback. He loves company and has found his perfect employment as a reading assistance dog at his local primary school, Murwillumbah.

I trained as a primary school teacher and currently work in adult education. As a Story Dog volunteer, I experience the incredible joy Simba brings to children and how relaxed, yet engaged, they become when reading to him.

‘Sam’ and Cheryl

Sam is a beautiful, generous  and happy nine year old Kelpie/Australian Terrier cross with an engaging personality. He loves to bring children small presents such as a leaf or stick.

I am a primary school teacher specialising in art. Sam loves to be around children and I love helping children learn to read so this is a great project for us both to be involved in.

‘Cookie’ and Jill

Cookie loves: Playing with other dogs and socializing with people she is very friendly and active. She loves the beach and bush camping with the family and other dogs.
Cookie’s favourite food: She eats most things but particularly likes fishy flavours.
Cookie does not like: Dog paddling - she likes going in the water but doesn’t actually like swimming, she prefers to be on a surfboard.
Cookie’s quirks: Cookie throws her dog bikki’s around, she tosses them in the air; chases them; strokes at them; pushes them; hides them; then eventually eats them. It takes her forever to eat a bowl of bikki’s.

‘Munro’ and Maree

Dog Breed: Australian Bulldog.
Munro’s favourite food: Any food!
Munro does not like: Water dragon lizards, hot air balloons.
Munro’s quirks: Munro is an expert water skier! He has appeared on Australia’s Funniest Home Videos.
Did you know? - Dog Breed Facts: The Australian Bulldog is a mix of the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bullmastiff, the Boxer, and the English Bulldog. Aussie Bulldogs are affectionate, outgoing and loyal.

‘Zola’ and Serena

Zola loves: Food, the beach and swimming in the sea
Zola’s favourite food: ANY!
Zola’s quirks: She likes apple, raw sweet potato and carrots

‘Pia’ and Kate

Pia loves: Children and her ball
Pia’s favourite food: Chicken
Pia does not like: Crashing garbage bins
Pia’s quirks: Will run all day if you let her!

‘Sooti’ and Lenna

Sooti loves: Walking and running on the beach chasing waves. Playing with most dogs. Sooti adores children and loves to retrieve balls and sticks.
Sooti’s favourite food: Beef bones
Sooti does not like: Huge trucks, thunder and lightening.
Sooti’s quirks: Sooti loves to lick, especially people’s faces!

‘Harley’ and Silvia

Dog breed: Ridgeback X Bull Mastif.
Harley’s age: 3yrs.
How Silvia came to have Harley: Harley came to us through the RSPCA.
Harley loves: Harley loves swimming, playing, all contact with people and coming to our Pool Shop.
Harley’s favourite food: Harley’s favourite food is chocolate & pigs ears.
Harley does not like: Harley does not like being alone.
Harley’s quirks: Harley loves to play hide and seek! He is very good at it for such a big dog.

‘Dakini’ and Dawn

Dog breed: Shih Tzu/Matlese/Lhasa Apso cross.
Dakini’s age: 7yrs.
How Dawn came to have Dakini: I chose Dakini as a companion pet when I was quite ill, so she has been a ‘Story Dog’ all her life.
Dakini loves: Food! Having her back and tummy gently scratched.
Dakini’s favourite food: Chicken.
Dakini does not like: Being at home on her own. Dakini does not like salad!
Dakini’s quirks: Dakini really enjoys chasing cats  not to chase them, but just for fun  if they stop she stops.
Interesting Dog Breed facts: Because Dakini is a mix of three breeds, her brothers and sisters are all different colours white, black & white, brown with black ears and faces, white with pale brown patches and one is cream all over.

‘Norman’ and Michelle

Dog breed: Staffy.
Norman’s age: 5 1/2 yrs.
How Michelle came to have Norman: Norman was adopted at 6 months old from my sister. Norman won our hearts since he was a pup.
Norman loves: People, pats, the beach, chasing thrown sticks, bones, drives in the car, meeting other canines.
Norman’s favourite food: Kangaroo meat, raw chicken and raw bones.
Norman does not like: being without company, being in the rain, baths.
Norman’s quirks: Norman’s pose when laying down- legs spread eagle outwards, his constant smile.
Interesting Dog Breed facts: The Staffy being a UK breed, is one of only two breeds from over 190 recognised by the UK Kennel Club to have a mention of the breeds suitability with children. Staffy’s are big hearted and affectionate to humans, loyal, tenacious and playful.

‘Monty’ and Liz

Dog breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Monty’s age: 6 yrs.
How Liz came to have Monty: We had Honey(also a Story Dog) & Rosie, an old terrier who died at age 16. Honey seemed lonely so we got Monty as a 7 week old puppy who fit in the palm of your hand. He assumed Honey was his new Mum and she accepted that role and they’ve been inseparable ever since!
Monty loves: Sleeping lying across Honeys back, swimming, being groomed especially the hairdryer, drives in the car with the wind blowing his ears back, licking anything & everything. Loves licking Honey’s face and inside her ears so it often looks like he is telling her secrets!
Monty’s favourite food: : Ice-cream! Especially McDonalds soft serve cones going through the drive thru. Took him a little while to realize he could actually EAT the cone too!
Monty does not like: Being left at home when Honey goes to school for Story Dogs.
Monty’s quirks: Lots! He loves to just swim around in our backyard pool and when he gets tired he just climbs onto a pool noodle and happily floats around. Monty can also open the power windows in the back seat of the car with his paw so we have to use the child locks so we can control only opening the window a small way. Licking the cracks in the pavers when we are having a BBQ  weird I know! He can also sniff out any food left anywhere  perhaps he should be working for customs?
Interesting Dog Breed facts: Cavaliers were bred in the 1600s to warm the beds of the aristocracy. They must have booted them out to actually sleep as they are renowned for their extremely loud snoring! Some of them, including Monty, also make a strange reverse sneezing noise when they are excited, which my kids are very embarrassed about when we are out in public and they call it ‘snorking’ which is a great name for it. Other squashed nose breeds like pugs do it too!

‘Raffie’ and Maria

Dog breed: Jack Russell X Chihuahua.
Raffie’s age: 4 yrs.
How Maria came to have Raffie: I went to the RSPCA op shop looking for clothes and Raffie was there. We fell in love instantly; I started crying when I saw him. The rest is history!
Raffie loves: Walking on the beach, chasing birds, and rock hopping. Raffie also loves feathers. But most of all he loves people.
Raffie’s favourite food: : Beef Jerky, Raffie will do anything for a morsel. He also loves Thai curries.
Raffie does not like: Swimming in the ocean, flies or mosquitoes.
Raffie’s quirks: He always runs down the stairs on 3 legs. He runs away when I open the freezer door, even if it is to get him out a tasty bone. Oh! And he rarely gets out of bed before 8am.
Interesting Dog Breed facts: The name, Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua mix is abbreviated to Jack-Chi These dogs are one of the healthiest breeds on earth today and they live for an average of 15-17 years.

‘Rolly’ and Fran

Dog breed: Maltese cross.
Rolly’s age: 4 yrs.
How Fran came to have Rolly: He belongs to my daughter.
Rolly loves: People and other dogs. Walking and going in the surf.
Rolly’s favourite food: : Chicken.

‘Holly’ and Gail

Dog breed: Golden Retriver.
Holly’s age: 8 yrs.
How Gail came to have Holly: A friend passed away and left us Holly. She wanted us to keep her.
Holly loves: People, hugs and cuddles.
Holly’s favourite food: : Anything except bones.
Holly’s quirks: Thinks she is human. She must think she is a small dog as she likes to sit in your lap!
Interesting Dog Breed facts: Retrievers are extremely loyal.

‘Simba’ and Neroli

I have had Simba for over a year now and he came to me when his owners downsized and were unable to keep him. He is an extremely well-adjusted and loving companion who adores cats, birds, wallabies but especially children.

I am a research assistant at the Southern Cross University and have always been interested in literacy.

Neroli’s experience – “My last student for the day should have been my first, but he was very anxious because he thought Simba would chase him if he made a mistake! His teacher encouraged him to observe another child reading. He then agreed to read to Simba. By the end of the session, Simba’s head was in his lap and he was gently stroking him as he read aloud”.

‘Max’ and Tracey

Max is a 7 year old Labrador, he is typical of his breed. His aim in life is to be everyone’s friend, eat as much as possible, and swim at every opportunity.

I am a registered nurse working in Renal Dialysis. Story dogs is a great organisation to be involved in, Max and I spend one morning a week at a school, listening to children read, it is very rewarding for all. Who said 'never work with animals and children'.

‘Sammy’ and Babette

I am a former physical education teacher and have worked in media, advertising and now I am a visual artist.

Sammy is a rescued greyhound from Friends of the Hound and although I was supposed to just be his foster mum after he left his racing kennels, I fell in love with him, and he’s been with me and my other rescue greyhound Gypsy for 6 months. Sammy just loves people and is a prefect gentleman. Greyhounds by nature are very gentle and patient and their favourite occupation is sleeping on a soft bed.

‘Ella’ and Maree

Ella loves: Children, people, coming to the Vet practice where I work, and sleeping on the bed.

‘Jake’ and Ann

Jake loves: Because of the collie side of him, he is interested in sheep - wouldn't hurt them just inquisitive, In NZ, we lived next door to a paddock of sheep and cattle. He loved to be on the roundup and used to try and join the farmer when he was in the paddock with his dogs. He has the most fantastic temperament we have ever had in a dog. Nothing seems to faze him. He is so friendly to other dogs and just loves people, especially kids.

Jake’s favourite food: Naturally, the lab. side of Jake means he loves to eat and is always searching for food.
Jake does not like: He hates the hose or a bucket of fresh water Jake’s quirks: We go to the beach every day and his favourite game is to chase his ball. He is an excellent swimmer and will be in and out of the water all the time, whether it is the sea or the river, but runs away when it comes time to be washed off at home!

‘Nora’ and Rita

Nora loves: her ball, toys and her Pooh Bear
Nora’s favourite food: Her ball
Nora does not like: being left behind
Nora’s quirks: fetches her ball and brings it back, thankfully, for me to throw again.

‘Honey’ and Liz

Honey loves: Everyone!, pats, cuddles, walks, ducks, dinnertime, drives in the car, the beach

Honey’s favourite food: ANY! Sausage sandwiches at the soccer
Honey does not like: skateboards and grates on the footpath (she walks around them)
Honey’s quirks: she loves her toys until they are nearly destroyed!

‘Wilson’ and Julie

Wilson loves: Coming to work with me at King Street Veterinary Hospital. He also enjoys running and frolicking at the beach with his girlfriend Keira. Everyone who knows Wilson can also tell you how he loves his squeaky toys and he won’t miss a chance to show you his impressive collection. Snuggling under the blankets is also one of Wilson’s favorite past time.

Wilson’s favourite food: Wilson always had a palate difficult to please. His favorite food is by far cooked chicken. He also makes sure he never misses out on fillet steak or roast lamb.
Wilson does not like: Wilson does not like to be left behind at home. He has become an escape artist and do not miss a chance to invite himself next door to spend time with his friends and family.

‘Darcy’ and Shirley

Dog breed: Golden Retriever
Darcy’s age: 4 yrs
How Shirley came to have Darcy: Darcy belongs to my son Michael’s family. Because of his lovable, laid back nature I suggested he may be suitable as a Story Dog. They all thought it was a great idea and even Darcy appeared to smile.
Darcy loves: Darcy loves everyone and almost everything, His favourite place is the Vets rooms.
Darcy’s favourite food: anything you will let him have!
Darcy does not like: His only real dislikes appear to be walking in the rain (he hangs back in the doorway hoping you will change your mind), also roadwork signs which he is not keen to walk past.
Darcy’s quirks Darcy hates flies. He will spend lots of time chasing a fly if he spots one.

‘Sully’ and Kylie

Dog breed: Labrador
Sully’s age: 2 yrs
How Kylie came to have Sully: Sulicia was a birthday gift to myself.
Sully loves: swimming, walks and kids.
Sully’s favourite food: dog treats.
Sully does not like: being left home alone.
Sully’s quirks Sulicia swims anywhere&puddles, fish pond, bucket, etc.

‘Flossy’ and Nancy

Dog breed: Maltese Terrier
Flossy’s age: 6 yrs
How Nancy came to have Flossy: Flossy was a gift from my son and his wife. Flossy is from a litter of five which my son bred and was born two days after my darling mum passed away. It was hoped Flossy would help me with her loss. She certainly did.
Flossy loves: Walks, cuddles and next doors golden retriever.
Flossy’s favourite food: raw chicken necks or wings.
Flossy does not like: Black and white large dogs, being left alone.

‘Bracha’ and Karin

Dog breed: Maltese Terrier
Bracha’s age: 2 yrs
How Karin came to have Bracha: We purchased Bracha from a family on the Sunshine Coast who also owned Bracha’s mother and father.
Bracha loves: The beach, playing, especially with her kong.
Bracha does not like: Rainy days when she can’t get out to play very much.
Interesting dog breed facts: Although used by police due to their intelligence they are a shepard, originally used for protecting sheep in Europe.

‘Sally’ and Rachael

Dog breed: Mini Fox Terrier
Sally’s age: 3 yrs
How Rachael came to have Sally: She was a gift.
Sally loves: Cuddles and being carried around.
Sally’s favourite food: Biscuits.
Sally does not like: Water, especially baths!
Sally’s quirks: She smiles!

‘Candy’ and Jenny

Dog breed: Foxie (with bits of Jack Russell somewhere too)
Candy’s age: 6 yrs
How Jenny came to have Candy: I was ‘dogless’ after the death of my special Chihuahua cross, Trickki Woo. I searched and searched for a similar dog  didn’t want a white dog or a black dog or a chunky dog  just another Trickki Woo. So I ended up with a chunky black and white foxie who is very precious and a ton of fun to be with.
Candy loves: Snuggling under bed clothes, going for long walks, being at home or on holidays in the motor home, chasing a ball, listening to classical music, romping and sleeping.
Candy’s favourite food: Snow peas, green beans and Chinese cabbage and of course cheese, chicken necks and bones.
Candy does not like: Swimming, aggressive and threatening dogs, having cream rubbed on her tummy if she gets grass allergies

‘Summer’ and Annette

Dog breed: Labradoodle
Summer’s age: 4½ yrs
Summer loves: Other dogs and people. Any attention!
Summer’s favourite food: Pigs ears.

‘Rolly’ and Kay

Dog breed: Maltese cross
Rolly’s age: 4 yrs
How Kay came to have Rolly: He belongs to my daughter
Rolly loves: People and other dogs. Walking and going in the surf.
Rolly’s favourite food: Chicken.