Geelong - South Barwon and Surf Coast Dog Teams
Story Dogs acknowledges the traditional country of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples*
Karen Knuckey
Geelong - South Barwon and Surf Coast
Karen is the coordinator for dog teams in the Geelong - South Barwon and Surf Coast area.
Karen 'Penny' and 'Libby'
Karen, 'Penny' and 'Libby' help children at Libraries within the Geelong Regional Library network.
About: Karen is a Sponsor Manager. She likes cooking and runs the local Cavalier social group.
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from the Rotary Club of Kardinia
Dog breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
How we met: Bought both from fabulous breeders
Great loves: 'Penny' loves chasing balls and bubbles
'Libby' loves cuddles and getting into mischief
Favourite foods: Chicken, whatever the humans are eating!
Doesn’t like: 'Penny' doesn't like crowds. 'Libby' doesn't like being left at home.
Quirks: Both love having their photos taken. They pose like models!
Victoria and 'Bella'
Victoria and 'Bella' help children at Moriac Primary School.
About: Victoria enjoys walks with 'Bella', cafe stops and spending time at home, cooking, gardening and craft.
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from the Rotary Club of Torquay
Dog breed: Maltese Shitzu Cross
How we met: 'Bella' was rescued from the RSPCA Epping
Great loves: Exploring on walks and in our garden
Favourite foods: Chicken and beef mince
Quirks: 'Bella' likes to "talk" to people
Leanne and 'Jemma'
Leanne and 'Jemma' help children at Mirripoa Primary School, Armstrong Creek.
About: Leanne is a retired School Support Officer, she loves walking, reading and life in general
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift in memory of John Ely
Dog breed: Labrador
How we met: Bought from a breeder
Great loves: People, other dogs and food
Favourite foods: Everything
Doesn’t like: Lack of attention
Quirks: She snores !!
Sharon and 'Jack'
Sharon and 'Jack'' help children at Bellbrae Primary School
About: Sharon is a PhD
Sponsor: Generously funded by a gift from the Estate of Timothy Crowley
Dog breed: Bull Arab
How we met: Rescue dog
Great loves: Swimming
Favourite foods: Bones

Heather and 'Daisy'
Heather and 'Daisy' help children at Ceres Primary School
About: Heather is an accredited Dog Listener and trainer, and apart from working with dogs I love gardening and aquarium-keeping.
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from the Rotary Club of Geelong Central.
Dog breed: Dalmatian
How we met: 'Daisy' is a re-homed dog who was too much for her first family. She joined my older male Dalmatian who was 7 at the time.
Great loves: 'Daisy' loves to learn new tricks, she loves her food, my grandchildren and me.
Favourite foods: Apples and pears, bananas and strawberries and anything chicken flavoured
Quirks: She barks at any dog she sees or hears on the television
Glenda and 'Major'
Glenda and 'Major' help children at Bellaire Primary School, Highton
About: Glenda is a retired Project Officer, she enjoys music and football
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from Rotary Club of Highton
Dog breed: Golden retriever
How we met: Gift from a friend
Great loves: Walks, treats, balls, beach and swimming
Favourite foods: Anything
Quirks: Stops for a "Pat" from everyone
Sallyann and 'Herbie'
Sallyann and 'Herbie' help children at Montpellier Primary School, Highton
About: Sallyann is a retired Script Supervisor, she enjoys the theatre, music, arts and travel.
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from the Rotary Club of Bayside Geelong
Dog breed: Toy Poodle
How we met: From a breeder that was recommended by a family member
Great loves: Running, balls, tummy rubs and other dogs
Favourite foods: Cheese
Doesn’t like: Sirens
Quirks: Loves to help put the wheelie bins out and watch rubbish truck with his friend 'Ruby', the Whippet from next door.
Natasha and 'Andy'
Natasha and 'Andy' help children at Grovedale West Primary School
About: I am a mum of two wonderful young girls. When I am not busy with them, I love to sew, read or visit the beach with 'Andy'.
Sponsor: Rotary Club of Grovedale Waurn Ponds
Dog breed: Moodle
How we met: I met 'Andy' at 8 weeks and fell in love immediately
Great loves: Cuddles and affection, stealing things from my daughters' rooms, going out for adventures and naps
Favourite foods: Bully stick
Doesn’t like: Can be nervous around larger dogs, bath time and the high velocity blow dryer
Quirks: Will flick a treat back at you if he doesn't want it and love to 'warthog' nudge you when he wants your attention when sitting on the couch.
Susan and 'Sunny Jim'
Susan and 'Sunny Jim' will help children in the Geelong South area
About: Susan enjoys music, attending concerts, reading, nature and beach walks.
Sponsor: Story Dogs is looking for a Sponsor
Dog breed: West Highland Terrier
How we met: He was advertised on a breeder's page and after losing my previous dog aged 5 went and got him
Great loves: Interacting with humans and other dogs, playing with his fluffy toys and balls
Favourite foods: Schmackos
Doesn’t like: Cats, bird, possums and fly's
Quirks: Stops on his walks and observes people with a fascination of what they are doing
Sally and 'Ziggy'
Sally and 'Ziggy' help children on the Surf Coast
About: Sally has recently retired after 38 years of teaching. I fill my days with playing golf, spending time with my grandchildren, family and friends
Sponsor: Story Dogs is looking for a Sponsor
Dog breed: Miniature Groodle (Golden Doodle)
How we met: When I was teaching, our school decided to include Therapy dogs into the wellbeing program. We purchased 'Ziggy' and his brother from a reputable breeder, and they were trained specifically for their role
Great loves: Beach walks, playing with his toys, bringing one of his toys when greeting everyone
Favourite foods: Duck tenders, fish and twisties
Doesn’t like: Being patted on his head
Quirks: 'Ziggy' never walks in a straight line on the beach but rather does figure eights along the whole beach while chasing flies