Australia’s biggest dog is helping children and the elderly
At 130kg, Australia’s biggest dog has a huge soft spot for the most unlikely of companions — the elderly and schoolchildren.
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At 130kg, Australia’s biggest dog really is just a big softie.
Baron, the English mastiff, has a huge soft spot for the most unlikely of companions — the elderly and schoolchildren.
The amiable five-year-old pooch joins owner Mark York at the SummitCare aged-care home every week, walking around and greeting the residents.
“They want someone to give love to because a few rarely get the chance,” Mr York said.
Armed with a 36-inch neck and bread plate-sized paws, Baron stands around two metres tall.
“His neck is thicker than most blokes’ waist,” Mr York said.
“You know he’s a big dog when you need a solid ramp to get him into the van.”
Despite his enormousness, Mr York said the residents are often enthralled with Baron.
“They get to spend a bit of time with him and have a bit of animal company,” he said.
“People’s faces light up when he walks in the room.”
Mr York’s mother, Francis, is one of the residents who regularly sees Baron when they visit.
“Everyone just wants to cuddle him,” Mr York said.
“We can’t even walk up the street without the neighbours coming out to take photos or say G’day.”
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Baron’s most popular fans are the young children he helps to become confident lifelong readers.
The gentle giant, who is also a therapy dog, spends his extra time visiting young school children with behavioural difficulties to help them build confidence in a program called Story Dogs.
Mr York said the children loved Baron’s gentle and friendly nature.
“Baron enjoys sitting there (and sometimes naps) while listening to the kids as they pat him and read him stories,” he said.
The proud owner believes the mastiffs were no disruption to daily life.
Mr York said Baron’s daily diet consists of a kilo of meat for breakfast, four cups of dried food during the day and three eggs for dinner.
“Baron might be big and stubborn, but he’s a loveable and social dog whose well behaved and always under control,” Mr York said. “He’s just a wonderful fella.”
If you and your dog are interested in promoting childhood literacy check out how you can become a volunteer at Story Dogs.
Originally published as Australia’s biggest dog is helping children and the elderly