The paw-fect reading companion

Rochedale rescue dog Rosie is no ordinary pooch – her superpower is helping children develop a love for reading.

Each week the 15-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu visits St Peter’s Catholic Primary Rochedale to help young readers in year 2 improve their skills and boost their confidence through the Story Dogs program.

Sponsored by the Lions Club of Rochedale Springwood, Story Dogs is a literacy program where children read to trained dogs and their volunteer handlers in a supportive and non- judgemental environment.

Rosie’s owner and Story Dog handler Emma Brooks, who has 3 children at the school, says her family’s beloved pet is a hit with young readers.

‘She is an extremely gentle dog and absolutely loves pats. Sometimes she does fall asleep when listening to a book but luckily the kids don’t mind,’ Emma says. ‘I feel like she was born to be a Story Dog.’

Emma joined the nationwide Story Dogs team while looking for a volunteer role, knowing she had the perfect dog for the job. Their school visit involves setting up a mat and spending 20 minutes with each student – the school’s leadership team decides which students will most benefit.

‘One child was apprehensive to participate and wouldn’t sit near me or Rosie,’ Emma says. ‘But they began to trust Rosie and I and, by the end of the year, they were sitting on our mat and patting Rosie while listening to a story.

‘Another child I had was very shy at reading out loud and was worried about having a go at unknown words and getting them wrong. Over the year they practised the same book each week and it was wonderful to see their confidence grow.’

St Peter’s literacy teacher Teresa Krabbe says over the years, she’s seen students grow their love of reading from having the opportunity to share stories.

‘The greatest joy comes from seeing the enthusiasm when they know it is their turn to experience a book with Emma and Rosie,’ Teresa says.

‘At St Peter’s, we are very grateful to be given this opportunity from Story Dogs and to see our students become more confident and capable readers.’

Emma says Rosie, who was adopted from the RSPCA when she was 7, lets her own voice be heard at home – she has a cute trait of being the biggest snorer in the house.

‘We absolutely love Rosie and so do the children who read to her.’

PHOTO AT TOP: (From left) Students Jasmine, Coral and Sullivan Brooks with mum Emma and Rosie the dog.