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Volunteers bring their well trained dogs who are more
than happy to curl up with a new friend to hear a story. The volunteer
will say encouraging things and let them know that “Fido” is really
enjoying the book.
New Jersey Paws For People Co-coordinators Sharon and
John Bednar brought their dogs Lexie and Remie. Sharon helped several of
the children with Lexie while her husband worked with Remie.
Jada Komadina, a student whom has had past experience
with Paws, had the opportunity to go with Sharon on a trip to CBS Channel
3 to interview with Carol Erickson and explain the benefits from Paws for
Reading. Sharon wanted to reach out and let more people know about this
innovative program.
Owen Marble got a special treat by having Lexie place
her nose on his lap for awhile. Owen’s mother, Kim, explained that they
discovered the program online. “Owen goes to the story time program weekly
and was really happy to find out he was eligible to be part of this
program,” explained Kim.
Owen is a first grader at Greenfields in West
Deptford and is autistic. Autistic children have a much easier time
reading without an audience.
Another dog owner Holly Glasgow was more then happy
to sit with her dog and listen while Kenny Hill of Mullica Hill read to
her Irish Setter, Peanut. Holly volunteers with the program and really
enjoys it.
Peanut is her dog and loves the kids. Peanut is a
little bit confused for now, but the owner says that after a few times she
will be completely aware of her surrounding. Kenny said he enjoyed reading and was not nervous. He
found it easier to read to a dog and doesn’t usually like to read aloud.
Due to the program he is a more self confident reader. Kenny got a nice
kiss on the cheek for all his hard work.
After attending the program, Kenny’s Mom, Lisa, wrote
to Sharon. “What a great program. Kenny loved it. He can’t wait to do it
next time. His exact words were ‘ I really enjoyed that’. To hear him say
that was so great. I am telling Kenny’s teacher about it. I know there are
others in his class that need help reading.”
Children like Ally Moriak become more like the dog’s
teacher, which takes the attention off of themselves as the reader. Ally
read “ The Wolf Who Cried Boy” to Peanut and got a big tail wagging
response which was a doggy clap from one happy pup. Ally said she would
love to come back and wants to pick more books for Peanut. All of the students really had a fun time and all
agreed that they would definitely come back again.
When they finish reading to one dog, they receive a
baseball type card of the pooch. After several visits they can start their
collection of doggie cards. Every card has a picture and description of the pet.
This is a wonderful way of encouraging more dog-side reading moments.
There was a bit of humor when Lexie, Reme and Peanut
entered the library to astonished patrons of the library . Many of the
regular clients were not aware that they would be sharing a night of
reading with some furry canines.
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