Grafton- Clarence Valley Dog Teams
Story Dogs acknowledges the traditional country of the Bundjalung people*
Kathy Lark
Grafton - Clarence Valley
Kathy is the coordinator for dog teams in the Grafton - Clarence Valley area.
Please email Kathy on kathyl@storydogs.org.au
Kathleen and 'Rusty'
Kathleen and 'Rusty' help children at Gillwinga Public School
About: Kathleen is a retired Child Care Worker, she loves dogs and is a budding artist
Sponsor: Verto
Dog breed: Kelpie
How we met: Rescue puppy at 6 weeks old
Great loves: The sprinkler
Favourite foods: Kangaroo straps
Doesn’t like: Being left at home
Quirks: Loves to play hide and seek
Sue and 'Zuppy'
Sue and 'Zuppy' help children at Gulmarrad Public School
About: Sue is an RDA/Coach.
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from the Lions Club of Maclean
Dog breed: Blue Heeler Cross
How we met: Adopted from A.W.D.R
Great Loves:
Water dragons and walks
Favourite foods: Sausages
Doesn’t like: Thunder
Quirks: Utes and cattle
Donna and 'Bennett'
Donna and 'Bennett' help children at Yamba Public School
About: Donna is a Learning Support Officer, she loves animals, grew up living in a zoo. Loves the beach and ocean.
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from Cath.
Dog breed: Golden Retriever/Border Collie
How we met: Our friends dog had puppies, we fell in love with him.
Great loves: Beach, water, swimming, play dates with mates, squeaky toys.
Favourite foods: Chicken, any food
Doesn’t like: Other dogs rushing aggressively toward him.
Quirks: He burps at you after eating. He likes to beg like a Meerkat.
Sharon and 'Ozzie'
Sharon and 'Ozzie' help children at Pacific Valley Christian School, Townsend
About: Sharon is a Learning Support/ Teacher Aide
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from the Rotary Club of Iluka Woombah Inc.
Dog breed: Border Collie
How we met: I bred him
Great loves: A bucket to play with, lots of love, hugs and swimming at a calm beach
Doesn’t like: Big waves
Quirks: He doesn't like a ball, he likes his bucket
Kristy and 'Forrest'
Kristy and 'Forrest' help children at Maclean Public School
About: Kristy loves anything to do with dogs
Sponsor: Generously funded through a gift from the Rotary Club of Maclean
Dog breed: Mini Schnauzer
How we met: Rescued him due to having a disability he was unwanted. Best decision I have ever made
Great loves: The cat and watching tv
Favourite Food:
Chicken
Doesn’t like: Haven't found anything so far
Quirks: None he is perfect
Shannon and 'Biggie'
Shannon and 'Biggie' help children at Copmanhurst Public School, Copmanhurst
About: Shannon enjoys playing sports and taking 'Biggie' for walks
Sponsor: Seaton Foundation
Dog breed: Toy Cavoodle
How we met: I got 'Biggie' after completing my last deployment in the Navy
Great loves: Snuggling up on the couch with a comfy blanky
Favourite foods: Chicken
Doesn’t like: Wet grass
Quirks: Paws for attention
Kayleen and 'Bostyn'
Kayleen and 'Bostyn' help children at Lawrence Public School
About: Kayleen is retired and recently moved to the area.
Sponsor: Lions Club of Maclean
Dog breed: King Charles Cavalier
How we met: Since a puppy. We have owned several cavaliers, as they are a great family pet
Great loves: Walks on the beach or park
Favourite foods: Fish
Doesn’t like: Really long walks
Quirks: None
Brian and Wally
Brian and 'Wally' help children at Iluka Public School, Iluka
About: Brian enjoys fishing
Sponsor: Story Dogs is looking for a Sponsor
Dog breed: English Staffy
How we met: After I lost my last dog to cancer. I said never again, and yet here we are again
Great loves: Balls, swimming and following me everywhere
Favourite foods: Chicken
Doesn’t like: When people don't pat him
Quirks: Nona
Kate and 'Fynn'
Kate and 'Fynn' help children at Harwood Island Public School
About: I am a dog walker and pet sitter; the beach is my office and 'Fynn's ' social playground
Sponsor: Yamba Rotary Club
Dog breed: Labradoodle
How we met: 'Fynn' came into my life as a rescue dog for a client, he wasn't the perfect fit for her but the perfect fit for me, we adore each other
Great loves: Playing, cheese, the beach, socialising
Favourite foods: Ham and pasta
Doesn’t like: Being ignored or not adored!
Quirks: He does the best cookies, being so long legged it's hysterical
Tony and 'Dobby'
Tony and 'Dobby' help children at Coutts Crossing Public School
About: returning volunteer after losing his dog in 2025
Sponsor: Lions Club of Grafton
Dog breed: Greyhound
How we met: Rescued from Greyhound adoption day
Great loves: Zoomies and walks
Favourite foods: My homemade dog treats
Doesn’t like: When the treats run out
Quirks: Takes up way too much space on the lounge
Emily and 'Pippa'
Emily and 'Pippa' help children at Ulmarra Public School
About: I am an animator who now studies vet nursing. I love dog traning and playing hockey
Sponsor: Story Dogs is looking for a Sponsor
Dog breed: Koolie Cross
How we met: I adopted her from a rescue organisation when she was a year old
Great loves: Being with her humans, doing tricks and going to training classes
Favourite foods: Cheese
Doesn’t like: Swimming in deep water
Quirks: She has one 'up' ear and one 'down' ear
Julie and 'Banjo'
Julie and 'Banjo' help children at Coutts Crossing Public School
About: I enjoy reading, crafts, playing with my dog
Sponsor: Story Dogs is looking for a Sponsor
Dog breed: Jack Russel Pug
How we met: Rescued was the runt of the litter he joined us on our travels in the van
Great loves: Playing with other dogs
Favourite foods: Peanut butter
Doesn’t like: When I run out of peanut butter
Quirks: Lays on his back and kicks his legs