Charlie and Saffron are indeed very special Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®) team members. They and their owner, Sarah Ellis, are the first to bring a reading with dogs program to Wales, and one of only three to do so in the United Kingdom. Charlie and Saffron have appeared on television twice and been written up in the local paper, and Sarah was given two radio interviews. In addition to Shaggy Dog Tales, her R.E.A.D. team venture, Sarah is Area Coordinator for Pets As Therapy and a Blue Cross Education speaker.

Looks like Charlie has picked
his favorite storybook.

Charlie is a mixed breed, part Shetland Sheepdog, that had lived in several homes before being adopted by Sarah. A typical Sheltie, very energetic, he just needed someone to help him along with proper training. Having proved how bright and eager to learn he was, he now is a Pets As Therapy dog and a Blue Cross Education dog in addition to his R.E.A.D. duties. Charlie knows a lot of tricks, and because he can do a bit of canine freestyle (basic heelwork to music), he has entertained many senior citizens in residential homes. They love him!

Saffron's a very good listener.

Like Charlie, Saffron is a Pets As Therapy dog and a Blue Cross Education dog. She came to Sarah through the Tibetan Rescue when the kennels were closing down. Saffron was very small and frightened, but with special care and attention she has come a long way. Saffron loves being read to, often relaxing to the point of snoozing through the story, but then putting a big furry paw on a child's knee as a reminder to keep stroking her.