Norman loves nothing better than a nice pat on the tummy and a chance to listen to a good story which is just as well, since the five-year-old Staffy has a new job.
You see, Norman is a Story Dog, not just any story dog, but the only dog for Fingal Public School.
Each week Norman and his owner Michelle Dixon come over the river from Banora to listen to the children of Fingal read and to help them gain confidence with books.
“I read a story about it in the paper, asking for volunteers,” Michelle said. “So I rang them (the Story Dog organisation).
“The dog has to undergo testing to gain accreditation.”
Luckily for Norman he was perfect for the job and Michelle said he loves his new profession.
“He can’t wait to put his orange coat on,” she laughed.
The program is aimed at encouraging reluctant readers, usually in Year Two but not specifically, particularly at small schools like Fingal, to read to their story dog.
Norman is sponsored by the Banana Coast Credit Union but late last term the students at Fingal dressed in orange and as dogs to raise money and awareness for the program.
