Cute stories of furry friends inspire new podcast

A Torquay local is hoping to share cute stories of kindness, compassion and connection towards furry friends through her new podcast ‘The Dog Tales’.

The Dog Tales is the brainchild of former nurse, paramedic and dog lover Sharelle Newcombe. During the podcast she chats to a different subject each week about their connections to their dogs and how they’ve helped to shape their lives.

The podcast documents many stories that reference the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately how people’s dogs helped them to keep a smile on their faces throughout this tough period.

“The idea for Dog Tales came to me while actually being in the line to get a coffee at Salty Dog Café in Torquay for the very first time,” Ms Newcombe said.

“I connected with all these amazing people who were so friendly and invited me to sit with them and their beautiful dogs.

“Over the course of the next six months, I just sat and listened to their astounding personal stories, some of which were about their furry friends.

“Naturally, dogs are a fantastic way of connecting with people and it made sense to tell those stories as everyone can relate in one way or another.”

Coming from what she describes as a “heavy professional background”, Ms Newcombe said that the podcast gives her an opportunity to connect with locals on somewhat of a lighter note.

“I just sense a vibe with that person and chat a bit more with them about their story.

“My first podcast was about a local called Barry who has a blind dog named Freddie and we just unpacked all there is to having a dog that is blind and how that impacts a human as well.

“From coming in contact with so many traumatic stories with my careers, it’s a beautiful thing to listen to people speak about their story.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to wouldn’t be anywhere without their dogs.”

While she has only just kicked off the podcast in the last six weeks, Ms Newcombe said she hoped to expand the podcast to include subjects from all over the country.

“I just want to continue to grow it whatever that means and continue to make The Dog Tales platform a welcoming space for all.

“I hope the podcast series is a great way of sharing connection, love and kindness within the community.

“I’m looking forward to seeing where it all goes!”

To listen to The Dog Tales podcast, head to thedogtalespodcast.alitu.com/