Local Nurse’s Dog Helping Children Build Confidence Through Reading
A much-loved local dog is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young readers, one story at a time.
Maisie, owned by veterinary nurse Kirralee, spends her spare time doing something quite special—helping children learn to read through the Story Dogs program. This unique initiative pairs children with trained dogs and their volunteer handlers for weekly one-on-one reading sessions throughout the school year.
Based on the internationally recognised Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) model, which has demonstrated educational benefits since 1999, the program aims to improve children’s literacy skills while building confidence in a supportive and relaxed environment.
Each session runs for around 20 minutes and is tailored to the individual child’s reading level. Books are carefully selected to ensure they are both engaging and appropriate, helping to foster a positive attitude towards reading.
What makes the program particularly effective is the calming presence of the dog. Volunteers are trained to work at the child’s pace, often “speaking” through the dog to encourage interaction. For example, a handler might say, “Maisie doesn’t quite understand what’s happening on this page—could you help her out?” This approach allows children to take on a teaching role, boosting their confidence and encouraging comprehension in a fun and non-judgemental setting.
By creating a safe and encouraging space, Maisie and her fellow Story Dogs are helping children overcome reading challenges and discover the joy of books.
For Kirralee and Maisie, it’s time well spent—and for the children they support, it’s making a lasting impact.
