Popular pooch makes reading paw-some

Burpengary Library’s newest ‘Story Dog’ is setting tongues wagging, with his calm and tender nature a hit with budding readers.

Scout the Border Collie is part of literacy charity Story Dogs, which encourages children who are struggling with literacy or lack confidence to read aloud to a dog instead.

Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery says the long-running partnership between Story Dogs and Council’s libraries continues to have a profound impact, nurturing young minds.

“When children are able to read to a dog, the outcomes are inspirational,” he explains.

“There’s something incredibly calming about reading to a dog. They’re naturally accepting and non-judgemental and this helps children relax, focus and build their confidence.

“It’s great to see Scout settle into Burpengary Library and I’m sure he’ll continue to be a popular pooch. I’m told the staff would all love to take him home.”

The program offers 15 to 20-minute individual reading sessions for families and is often booked weeks out in advance due to its popularity.

“We encourage families to book early and book often via Council’s website, so they don’t miss out on this special experience,” Mayor Flannery says.

Scout’s handler Narelle Mannaert says the five-year-old is changing lives, one reading session at a time.

“The parents and kids love Scout and are impressed with how well-behaved and calm he is,” she says.

“He loves being patted. And for the kids who are a bit unsure about dogs, he will roll over and let them rub his tummy. He’ll even give high fives and handshakes sometimes.

“At the end of each session the kids can choose a Story Dog bookmark and a Scout Sticker.”

Ms Mannaert says Scout is a regular visitor to several places, where he is always a welcome sight.

“I always tell people Scout is from the couch potato line of Border Collies,” she said.

“Since he was a puppy, I have taken him to the local aged care facility and my brother’s disabled home. He has also been going to school pick-up since he was 12 weeks old, so he is used to all the kids exiting the school in a rush when the bell goes.”

The clever canine began his Story Dogs journey in June with Narangba Valley State School and has become a star student.

“When we first started at the school, the kids would say ‘I can't read, you know’ and I would just say ‘That's OK, neither can Scout’,” Ms Mannaert recalls.

“Scout does not judge a child's reading ability. The kids love to pat Scout while they are reading - he is like a big fluffy and soft sensory tool. As a team, we try to make reading fun and not stressful.”

Story Dogs reading sessions are offered at Bribie Island, Burpengary, December Bay and North Lakes libraries.

To book a session, visit moretonbay.events.mylibrary.digital/ and search ‘Story Dogs’.