Everyone had a favourite teacher who made a difference to their school life – but Toby the Bearded Collie is probably the first dog to have that particular honour.

The 14-year-old has been with Trisha Owen, 75, from Bembridge, since he was an eight-week-old puppy.

Once a show dog, Toby has found new life in retirement through the Read2Dog scheme, helping children at Ryde Academy develop their confidence and ability with a book in hand.

But it’s more than just his sheer presence that makes a difference, with Trisha noticing a canny nack of her pet knowing what to do at just the right time.

“We have weekly classes with between four and six children, aged 11 to 12, in the library,” says Trisha, a former oncology nurse.

“The children can read, there’s absolutely no doubt whatsoever. But often they’ve been made fun of because they stumble over a big word or something, and they lose their confidence.

“A dog’s not judgmental – he sits there and he can relate to them. I don’t really do much – I just hold his lead, and he interacts with the children.

“It’s almost like he picks out the ones that need the most. He sits next to them and they stroke him and put their arms around him.

“Over the six-week period, you can see them visibly change. There was a child that had an anger issue and he came in with his arms folded.

“Toby sat opposite him and nudged him. He’s not a nudger, not an attention-seeking dog, but he nudged him and nudged him again.

“Somehow, and I don’t know how, he ended up with his head under the child’s hand. And he sat there, and the child started to stroke him.

“I had tears in my eyes by the time we finished because I could see the anger just leaving this child.”

To celebrate the impact he has had on so many children, Toby will be rewarded at the 127th edition of Crufts this week, where the Bearded Collie Club are organising a special awards event.

Medals will be presented to Kennel Club breed-registered Bearded Collies that are actively working in a therapy dog capacity to celebrate their valuable contributions to their various communities.

It is the aim to recognise that although an active and intelligent breed they have adapted their wonderful and caring temperaments to work in the modern world.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to bits, I’m over the moon,” says Trisha.

“Bearded Collies are so soft and sweet and gentle, they just seem to be that way.

“They have this instinct of caring, I don’t know quite where it comes from – but it definitely makes a difference.”