Canberra South Dog Teams
Story Dogs acknowledges the traditional country of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples.*
Stuart Thorn
Canberra South
Stuart is the coordinator for dog teams in the Canberra South area.
Louise and 'Dillon'
Louise and 'Dillon' help children at St Benedict's Primary School
About: Louise is a Vet who enjoys cycling and bush walking
Sponsor: The Foreshore Vet
Dog breed: Whippet
How we met: 'Dillon' grew too tall to be a show dog and thus came to live with our family. We think he is beautiful even if he is a bit tall.
Great loves: Laying in front of the fire
Favourite foods: Anything human
Doesn’t like: Not being included on family adventures
Quirks: Loves to wear a sheepskin as a Viking coat
Ali and 'Lulu'
Ali and 'Lulu' help children at Forrest Primary School
About: Ali is a Public Servant, Ex Military
Sponsor: Custodian Financial Group
Dog breed: Groodle
How we met: Bought for son with anxiety and ADHA. 'Lulu' has a strong ability to make people happy.
Great loves: People, other animals, the beach and water
Favourite foods: Peanut butter
Doesn’t like: Cars
Kerri and 'Smudge'
Kerri and 'Smudge' help children at Farrer Primary School
About: Kerri is a Physiotherapist who loves being outdoors
Sponsor: PAC Carpentry and Joinery
Dog breed: Groodle
How we met: Met her at 8 weeks old
Great loves: Being our Physiotherapy Practice Dog
Favourite foods: Someone else's breakfast
Quirks: Taking care of a rubber duck she dug up from someone's garden
Stuart and 'Nike'
Stuart and 'Nike' help children at Torrens Primary School
About: Stuart is a retired Public Servant
Sponsor: Blackshaw Real Estate Manuka
Dog breed: Border Collie
How we met: From a family who were moving interstate
Great loves: Food, walking, socialising humans and dogs
Favourite foods: Almost anything
Doesn’t like: Loud sudden noises
Quirks:
Overly friendly with new people nudging pockets for treats
Bridget and 'Arlo'
Bridget and 'Arlo' help children at Farrer Primary School
About: Bridget's a recently retired Social Worker, who has just bought a drill and a circular saw and wants to build a deck.
Sponsor: Royals Volleyball Club
Dog breed: Golden Labrador
How we met: I was shown a puppy photo and crumbled. We flew him to the Capital from Mullumbimby NSW.
Great loves: Leaping into water, Running along a beach, Bouncy balls
Favourite foods: Anything that's handy
Doesn’t like: Being left alone
Quirks: He collects squeaky toys and likes to put them to bed
Julia and 'Max'
Julia and 'Max' help children at Caroline Chisholm Primary School, Chisholm
About: Julia is retired. Ex British Military. She also volunteers for Pegasus Riding for the disabled.
Sponsor: Lions Club of Canberra City
Dog breed: Greyhound
How we met: Adopted ex-racer 'Max' from GAP NSW. I wanted a dog that got on with dachshunds as I look after my son's dog.
Great loves: Going on greyhound pack walks with other rescued greyhounds
Favourite foods: Peanut butter, cheese, lactose free yoghurt
Doesn’t like: Showering
Quirks: He isn't into toys. All soft toys must be taken by him outside onto the patio to stay. In particular 'Big Ted' and 'Ducky', he picks up delicately and gently takes them onto the lawn and abandons them there. I bring them back in, he takes them back out.
Clare and 'Kitana'
Clare and 'Kitana' help children at Arawang Primary School, Warramanga
About: I am currently working in adult education. I teach students School-Based Learning support and Early Childhood Education. I enjoy family time, movies, books.
Sponsor: Lions Club of Canberra Valley
Dog breed: Labrador
How we met: I was 'Kitana's puppy raiser and when she was classified as not suitable for guide dog work, I was able to purchase to specifically do work with Story Dogs
Great loves: Meeting people, walks and soft toys, pats
Favourite foods: Apple and carrot
Doesn’t like: Not sure as she is very relaxed. She doesn't like to be brushed too vigorously.
