Kids read to dogs at library
VENETA, Ore. - The audience for story time at the Fern Ridge Library this week had better than average hearing.
Once a month, kids get the chance to read to 4-legged friends as part of the READ program: Reading Education Assistance Dog.
By listening intently, the therapy dogs give kids an experience they may not get otherwise.
"The dog can't criticize. That's huge," said Laura Duvall, a therapy dog handler. "The kids can just read to the dog and have a good time and not have to even think about it because the dog is not going to correct them or point out the things they do wrong. It's all just a positive experience."
The READ program started in Utah back in 1999 and is now a worldwide program. The dogs visit the library in Veneta the last Wedneday of every month.
Both of my boys loved reading to the dogs when they were at the Eugene Public Library. Great program :-D