Tasmanian dog owners are being encouraged to volunteer their pooches for a new program to help children read.
Miniature maltese Ellie left the kennel for the classroom and is lending her ears at Montagu Bay Primary School.
Her owner Mary Sulter said the Classroom Canines program, which is due to be rolled out in Tasmanian schools next year, was a big help for shy kids.
"I think it takes away the children's inhibitions when they're reading so they're not judged by their peer group or anybody," Ms Sulter said.
Finn Di Ubaldo, who is nine years old, said dogs made good listeners.
"It was cool because they couldn't say: 'That's not right, you're a bad reader'," she said.
Aaawww that's so cute! 
They should make dog smileys, not just cats.
