CUTE AND FUN -- NOT

Recently when I forwarded information about Nor'wester Readers gaining national coverage on AOL's PAW NATION, I got many emails from the recipients with comments like, "Oh, that's cute," or "It must be fun." All I can do is shake my head. I find it difficult to understand why people cannot grasp the profound effect that therapy dogs have in such a wide variety of environments.  So profound, that the US Senate has proclaimed every November 14th as National Reading Education Assistance Dogs Day.

A video from Intermountain Therapy Animals, originator of the R.E.A.D. program from which so many education therapy dog programs, like Nor'wester Readers, have taken inspiration, shows the typical impact that these wonderful dogs have.

One of our teachers shared an amazing story about a little boy who had no friends until his therapy dog walked into the classroom. One on one time with his four-legged friend gave the boy confidence, security, and motivation to work harder at his reading; as his confidence grew, the other children in the class started to accept him.

Another dog in our program worked with a guidance counselor to help a child with anger issues.  Before the dog arrived, the child refused to talk about anger; but with the dog's presence, the child would talk to the dog and began to verbalize her feelings. Not only was the dog a good listener, but the calming presence was instrumental in creating a safe and stress free environment.

These stories go on and on -- another is about a little boy who was very shy and fearful about reading aloud and who gained confidence after reading to his therapy dog -- so much so that he invited the school principal to come to his class to hear him read a story he'd written about his reading buddy.

Cute and fun??? -- NOT!!
Powerful, motivational, and a doorway to a lifelong love of reading and learning??? ABSOLUTELY!!