We were treated to a very special presentation at our first meeting in spring. Karen Knuckey and her story dog Libby opened the door to a world of reading for fun. Karen is a Paul Harris fellow for her work with Story Dogs and the Organ Donation program and was the Westfield Geelong’s Local Hero in 2022-2023. Karen is the coordinator for dog teams in the south Barwon and Surf Coast area and is instigating dog teams in the Wyndham region. Libby is a very charismatic Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and an experienced Story Dog.
Karen Knuckey with Story Dog Libby
Karen demonstrated the Story Dog process with volunteers Ben and Bruce. Although there was more patting than reading it clearly demonstrated how the presence of an uncritical friend, Libby, focused attention on reading for fun rather than reading as a task.
Ben and Bruce demonstrating the ‘double pat’
Karen’s anecdotes of her work in schools showed the impact Story Dogs have on children who need some extra assistance to become willing readers. Libby is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kardinia. The cost of sponsorship is $500 pa per dog but any donations are gratefully received. For further information on local Story Dogs go to https://www.storydogs.org.au/geelong#
