Reading out loud can be daunting at any age, but for those just learning to sound out words, having a non-judgemental audience can help. Read to Dogs, a partnership between Powell River Public Library and St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs aims to give children the chance to spend time with cuddly four-legged listeners while practising their book reading skills.
“It’s just a really low pressure way to have kids practice that out loud reading,” said library children’s service coordinator Sonia Zagwyn. “It’s also just calming to have a gentle dog to stroke while you’re reading.”
Seven child-certified therapy dogs were on hand November 8 to listen to youngsters aged five through 10 at what Zagwyn hopes will become monthly events at the library. Therapy dog instructor Debra Maitland said the program in Powell River is strong and grows in popularity and scope each year.
“Initially the therapy program was just for geriatric hospitals and sick people,” she said. “The Read to Dogs program started up about three years ago and now they’re finding it’s just as effective for kids who have stuttering problems, autism or are shy and don’t want to read in front of their peers.”
The program can also be a good introduction for children who fear dogs, said Terry Faubert, who brought her seven-year-old grandson Ryan McLean.
“He’s afraid of dogs and I thought this is what we need to have some positive interactions because I knew the dogs here would be quiet and calm,” said Faubert.
By the end of an hour with the dogs, McLean was cuddling Alex Rawnsley’s seven-year-old Labrador, Kelsey. Rawnsley and Kelsey are relatively new to the therapy dog program.
“We’ve been involved with therapy dogs since May,” said Rawnsley. “It’s just a really rewarding way to spend time with a dog.”
Grade one teacher Jessica Koop brought her daughter Madeleine, four, to try out the event.
“I’m not a dog person at all, but there’s something so calming about being in this environment,” she said. “These are lovely dogs.”
Madeleine had Lexi, a six-year old Leonberger, hanging on her every word as she recounted a tale that included elephants, pigs and other barnyard animals, but no dogs.
“We tried to put a dog book in every box,” said Zagwyn. “And also a range of reading levels.”
The next Read to Dogs session takes place at 3:30 pm on Thursday, December 6. For more information, go to prpl.ca.
