Story Dogs at MPS

🐾 Story Dogs at MPS — Building Confidence One Tail Wag at a Time! 

At Murrumbeena Primary School, reading time is always exciting and furry! The wonderful Story Dogs program has become a much-loved part of life at MPS, helping students in Year 2 develop confidence, literacy skills, and a lifelong love of reading.

So… what exactly is Story Dogs? It’s a program where specially trained volunteers bring their calm, friendly dogs into schools and sit with students while they read. But here’s the magic: the dogs don’t judge, correct, or rush. They simply sit, listen, and offer a warm, non-threatening audience for students who might find reading aloud a little daunting.

Why does it work so well? Because children feel relaxed and supported, which helps them take risks, make mistakes, and — most importantly — enjoy the reading process. Plus, who wouldn’t love curling up with a book and a friendly dog by their side?

Each week, selected students in year 2 spend 20 minutes reading to a story dog and their volunteer handler. This regular, one-on-one time is designed to improve reading fluency, comprehension, and overall confidence. It’s also a chance for students to form a special bond with both a friendly face and a furry companion.

We are incredibly lucky to have the Story Dogs program as part of our school community. The smiles on students’ faces — and the gentle wagging tails — say it all.

If you’d like to learn more about this wonderful program or even become a volunteer team, visit storydogs.org.au or email Fiona Sewell at fiona.sewell@education.vic.gov.au.  New volunteers (and their well-behaved pups) are always welcome!

MEET OUR AMAZING MPS STORY DOGS...

Jayne and 'Harvey' 

About: Retired Carer for Children with Disabilities

Sponsor: Atrium Media

Dog breed:Labrador

How we met:'Harvey' is a rescue dog and we have had several Labradors

Great loves:Walks, being a loyal companion, his toys, other dogs, people and swimming

Favourite foods: Anything and everything 

Doesn’t like: Nothing

Quirks:  He likes to paw us when he wants something. Always thanks us for his dinner

David, Jen and 'Reggie'

About: David is an Engineer, he enjoys sport, music and spending time with the family. Jen is a nurse who loves watching netball and footy, and eating chocolate.

Sponsor:  Bendigo Bank Murrumbeena

Dog breed:  Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

How we met:  As a puppy in 2020

Great loves:  Walks, pats and lots of naps

Favourite foods:  Dried chicken tenders

Doesn’t like:  Being alone

Quirks:  Loves lying on his back on your lap

Silvia and 'Cooper' 

About: Silvia loves travelling and spending time outdoors with her kids and 'Cooper'

Sponsor:  Community Bank Murrumbeena

Dog breed: Golden Retriever

How we met: We have had 'Cooper' since he was a puppy. We chose him from the litter because he was a curious pup, sniffing everywhere and not afraid of loud noises

Great loves: Lots of pats ,cuddles, food and puddles of waterFavourite foods: Any food that the kids eat, especially ice cream

Doesn’t like:  Being told off when he steals food from the table

Quirks:  Pushes his head to your hand so that you don't stop patting him

Karen and  'Henry' 

About: Karen is a children's author and loves knitting

Sponsor:  Generously funded through a gift from Murrumbeena Primary School

Dog breed:  Cairn Terrier

How we met:  The whole family went to choose 'Henry' from a litter of happy puppies

Great loves:  Tug-of-war and stories

Favourite foods:  Zucchini

Doesn’t like:  If you're late with dinner or breakfast

Quirks:  Getting on to the kitchen table

At MPS, we’re proud to be helping students find their voice — one page (and paw) at a time! 🐶📖

Fiona Sewell