Meet the perfect reading companion. She’s a good listener. He’s cute and cuddly. They will never judge or critique you if you mispronounce a word. But, just make sure not to read them books with the words “dinner,” “squirrel” or “want to go on a walk?” They might get a little excited. That’s right, we’re talking about dogs!
The Belle Aire LRC and PTA hosted its seventh semi-annual “Reading to the Dogs” event on Tuesday, Oct. 27 in the evening. Students stopped by to read books to six certified therapy dogs and their owners.
“It has become a Belle Aire tradition,” said Belle Aire LRC Teacher Joan Mommsen. “Dogs and kids are a great mix. It originally started out as a reading fluency activity. Dogs make such a good audience because they do not judge or critique. Some parents have found it helpful for children who are afraid of dogs. It is an opportunity to introduce them to a trained therapy dog in a safe setting with the owner right there.”
The children who attended all had great things to say about the experience. For instance, second grader James was elated to participate because he loves dogs (especially Beagles and his family’s Toy Fox Terrier) and he loves reading. He read a book to therapy dog Tidbit, a Shih Tzu.
“Tidbit used to work for hospitals and nursing homes. Lately she visits libraries and schools,” said Tidbit’s owner, Diane Stark. “Therapy dogs must be evaluated every two years. The evaluations are not easy to pass! To be successful, therapy dogs must possess strong people skills and a good temperament.”
Meanwhile, second grader Jared and his fifth grade sister, Allison, spent time with the large, yet gentle, Puzo. After finishing his book, Jared looked up and said, “I like reading to dogs because they’re good listeners.”
Mommsen recognizes the positive impact that Reading to the Dogs has made on the Belle Aire community.
“Over the years, the owners, the dogs and Belle Aire families have grown to love each other,” she said. “Kids request certain dogs by name and write thank you notes to them. Some of the owners have watched our kids grow up from struggling young readers into good strong readers over the years.”