Renee Hanlin

Dogs, touted as “man’s best friend,” have been trained for service, police work and even search and rescue. For some time now, libraries and schools have welcomed certified therapy dogs to listen to children read. In fact, the Powell Library has offered a Read to a Dog program for over 10 years. The dogs have ranged from big dogs such as Leonbergers and greyhounds to small dogs like the schnauzer.

Read to Rover programs offer individual children an opportunity to read a book of their choice aloud to a dog for a short one-on-one session. Who could find a better non-judgmental companion for reading practice?

During the reading session, the owner stays with the dog and reader. It is a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for reading. Reading aloud to a dog can reduce a child’s stress associated with reading, and build confidence. In an ALSC (American Library Services to Children) blog post, David Williams from Pet Partners states: “Children are often hesitant, embarrassed, or shy about their reading abilities … the presence of a calm, well-trained dog offers a unique form of social support, stress reduction and enhanced self-esteem to the reader.”

The late Judy Preator had her dogs Pepper and Rusty trained to be service dogs, and then faithfully brought them to the library for the Read to a Dog program. She wrote a children’s book about Pepper’s love for what he considered “his job.” Pepper, of course, is the star of the book which features photos of him at work reading with children. Judy will be missed.

Read to a Dog is usually offered twice monthly at the Powell Library on Thursdays, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. Call or come by the Powell Library to sign up for a 15-minute session if you have a child who is interested in participating.

(Renee Hanlin is the children’s librarian at the Powell Library.)