Hello there,
We’re thrilled you’ve found your way to our page—thank you for stopping by! We are a calm, educational, and storytelling dog therapy team dedicated to creating joyful experiences and making a meaningful impact. We’re excited to share our world with you and reveal all that we have planned!
The Story Dog offers a nurturing, story-rich literacy experience where soft, soothing tales blend with gentle wellbeing practices, all wrapped in cosy, hygge-inspired calm. In this enchanting space—where stories come alive and a friendly therapy dog rests quietly by your side—children build confidence, improve fluency, and discover the simple joy of reading at their own pace.
Ashlyn and her gentle therapy dog, Dylan, create a safe and caring environment where children can unlock the joy of reading. We provide heartfelt one-on-one sessions tailored to each child’s unique needs and reading level. Our group storytelling and rhyme adventures ignite imagination and wonder, encouraging young readers to immerse themselves in the magic of stories. Guided with patience and warmth, Dylan’s soothing presence comforts and reassures, helping children feel calm and confident as they explore new words and worlds. Every book is thoughtfully selected to inspire and delight, making learning both meaningful and memorable.
A distinctive feature of The Story Dog is teaching children to understand dog behaviour, recognise canine communication, and build a respectful, trusting bond through quiet observation and gentle interaction. This deepens emotional intelligence, supports wellbeing, and strengthens the special child–dog connection that makes reading feel safe and joyful.
Our purpose
Our purpose is to help children discover the joy, confidence, and courage to read by creating calm, uplifting storytelling experiences with a therapy dog by their side. Through gentle encouragement, playful connection, and a safe space to practise, we help reading feel less daunting, more enjoyable, and full of possibility.
We are also here to champion kind, informed relationships between people and dogs. By educating others about dog behaviour, safety, and wellbeing, we advocate for dogs and support communities to build stronger, safer, and more compassionate bonds.
Our Why
At the heart of everything I do is the special bond I share with my dog – a relationship built on unconditional love, trust, and quiet understanding. It’s this connection that inspires me to bring together two of my greatest joys: the magic of storytelling and the comfort of canine companionship.
I believe that every child deserves the joy of discovering stories – not just as words on a page, but as doorways to imagination, empathy, and possibility. Helping children learn to read through the support of a therapy dog is more than teaching a skill; it’s nurturing a lifelong curiosity, a sense of wonder, and the confidence to explore the world through language. I’m driven by the belief that stories can shape minds, open hearts, and empower young learners to dream boldly.
I will continually learn and always strive to deepen my understanding of dog behaviour so I can help dogs thrive, support people in building meaningful connections with them. I am committed to educating others about dog behaviour so that both humans and dogs can experience safer, stronger, and more compassionate relationships.
