Photo by Brittany Venoit

Here at Pawsh, books are beloved almost as much as our lovely pets. We’ve gushed about funny books, heartfelt books, the importance of reading with children and of course always take great care in putting together our ‘Tails that Wag‘ reading lists each issue.

Today I would like to introduce you to Julie Davies, the coordinator of R.E.A.D, a program run through Ottawa Therapy Dogs to help little ones learn how to — you guessed it — read! She’s generously taken some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about this wonderful reading initiative and how dogs can help improve literacy. R.E.A.D recently launched a brand new (and oh-so ‘pawsh!’) website and our dear  friend, Brittany Venoit, did the photos for it! Keep reading for some surprising facts about reading with dogs!

{by Julie Chambers} This month’s motto is “PAWSH pets always have their noses stuck in a good book!” and what better way to wrap up the month than by highlighting therapy dogs who help kids discover the joy of reading?

Ottawa Therapy Dogs offers their Reading Education Assistance Dogs® program at several local schools and libraries throughout the National Capital Region. This highly popular literacy initiative gives children who are struggling with reading the opportunity to bring their favourite book, curl up with a special therapy dog and read together.
As crazy as it might sound, dogs make great listeners by creating a relaxing, fun environment where kids can feel comfortable reading out loud to a nonjudgmental reading companion. Each dog is carefully evaluated for safety and temperament to ensure that they are suitable for a ‘career’ as a R.E.A.D. dog and handlers are specially trained to address reading challenges that arise by using their dog to take the pressure and stress off the child. (For example, “Spot doesn’t understand the word ‘watermelon.’ Can you sound it out for him again?”) The results are amazing, with reading levels often improving significantly in as little as 10 weeks through R.E.A.D.’s weekly school programs.
If you know a reluctant reader, you can sign them up for a R.E.A.D. session at one of this summer’s library programs! R.E.A.D. programs are always free, thanks to the amazing commitment of human (and canine!) volunteers from Ottawa Therapy Dogs, a local registered non-profit.
Check out R.E.A.D.’s new website – http://www.ireadwithdogs.ca – for more details about the program, upcoming events and to read rave reviews from teachers, parents and kids!
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Thank you Julie for sharing R.E.A.D insights! I certainly know I love to read with a pup curled up with me on the couch. Do you?