Meet Daisy, the gentle pointer helping children boost their literacy skills

Daisy and her owner, former Albury councillor David Thurley were the first in the NSW-Victorian border region town of Albury to complete their training with Story Dogs, a nationwide literacy program running in schools since 2009.

Guided by the vision that no child should be left behind in their education, Story Dogs targeted students in grade 2.

By reading to a dog in a non-judgmental setting, children often gained a dramatic boost in their focus and confidence.

Daisy, almost nine years old, recently passed her Story Dogs accreditation at Wangaratta in northeast Victoria, with flying colours.

"Daisy loves being patted by kids," Mr Thurley said.

"We got her when she was two, and she was immediately affectionate with our grandchildren; she's naturally gentle and ready to work."

Mr Thurley said he had seen the impact of Story Dogs first hand.

He said students who had struggled with literacy had made huge progress by reading aloud to dogs.

"A hesitant and reluctant reader in public became relaxed with the dog sitting there in a private space," Mr Thurley said.

"They were reading very well, and even with expression in their voice.

"They were using emotion and not just reading the words!"

Having also completed his training, Mr Thurley said his role was to listen to youngsters read without judgment to enable them to gain confidence.

He said research showed if children had reading problems after grade 2 they could rapidly fall behind at school.

"That's why this intervention is in grade 2," he said.

"Non-traditional learning aids like Story Dogs are extremely important.

"There are 553 Story Dog teams nationwide working in 400 schools, and they're helping nearly 3000 children a week."

Several Border families were inspired by Ted from Story Dogs, who visited last year's Write Around the Murray festival as part of WAM4Kids.

Now multiple canines were undergoing training to help young children develop their literacy skills.

However, Mr Thurley and Daisy could be already working with youngsters by the end of the month.

Mr Thurley said he knew Daisy would be a great fit for Story Dogs.

"She's the gentlest GSP I've ever had," Mr Thurley said.

"It's wonderful to watch the children warm to this dog, who just sits there and loves to be patted!"

With Story Dog teams volunteering their time, people can become sponsors at the Story Dogs website.