Therapy dogs make perfect pals for budding readers

Finn (left) supports a reader during Samuels Public Library’s free Books & Barks program. Library photo

FRONT ROYAL — An inspiring program at Samuels Public Library proves that therapy dogs are an aspiring reader’s best friend.

The free monthly Books & Barks program is held the first Saturday of every month. The next session is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 7. Children, parents or guardians may register in advance for a 20-minute session to read with the dogs beginning at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.

“I’m so happy that we can offer this program to the children of our community,” said Kathy Jacob, youth services assistant and outreach coordinator at Samuels Public Library. “They are reading orally, one-on-one, with a caring adult and a comforting dog.

“Personally,” she added, “Books & Barks is what helped my children overcome their fear of dogs when they were little, so this program has meant a lot to our family.”

Kona (left) enjoys quiet reading time with his friend. Library photo

In 2006, Jackie Smith and Sally Petty of Sperryville, Va.-based Waggin’ Hearts Therapy Dogs approached Michal Ashby, youth services supervisor at Samuels Public Library, about getting their therapy dogs together with young readers.

“It was a good fit for our department, and we’ve been doing it monthly ever since,” Jacob said.

While Waggin’ Hearts Therapy Dogs and their owners visit several nursing homes and senior centers throughout the region, some of the members also participate in the Books & Barks R.E.A.D. program at local schools and libraries, including in Warren County at E.W. Morrison Elementary School, Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School, and Ressie Jeffries Elementary School.

Smith, a Waggin’ Hearts volunteer who’s been with the group since 2005, said that when children read to the dogs, both their reading skills and desire to read improve.

“The dogs are non-judgmental, which makes them not afraid to read to the dogs, therefore it helps improve their reading skills,” she said.

Angela Dusenberry (right) and Bonnie (center) support a Books and Barks participant. Library photo

Waggin’ Hearts members all belong to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, an international organization that provides registration and supports for those involved in Animal Assisted Activities. All that’s required to get your dog involved is for the canine to love what it does and get along with children, adults and other dogs, said Smith.

“These dogs do not have to be a certain breed,” she said. “They just have to love people and kids.”

Over the years, Smith said the Samuels Public Library Books & Barks program has had up to 10 certified team members with their dogs, a sign-up sheet with 25 to 30 children, and a waiting list each month.

Currently, she said six teams go to Samuels Public Library for the two-hour program.

“Kids truly love reading to the dogs and come in ready with books,” said Smith, who noted that Jacob also provides children with a choice of books.

“Kids do not have to know how to read,” she added. “We encourage them to want to read and we will read to them.”

Sydney (top) listens with his eyes closed as Donald Bradner (right) reads with the girls. Library photo

Generally, Jacob described Books & Barks participants as mostly young readers; some are beginning readers while others may be quite fluent.

“It is mostly school-aged children who come, but we don’t turn teenagers away if they really want to read to a dog,” said Jacob.

One of the things Jacob said she loves about the program are “the comments from the parents about how much their children look forward to Books & Barks each month.”

For instance, she’s heard from some parents that their children even practice reading in preparation for meeting with their favorite dog.

Jacob also said she loves “the warm, comforting, relaxed atmosphere the children experience when they come. They feel accepted by the dogs, and they are enthusiastically welcomed by the dogs’ owners, as well.”

Leo (front) hangs on his reader’s every spoken word. Library photo

Because the Books & Barks dogs have been through training and testing to become certified therapy dogs, they have mild temperaments and don’t bite, bark or growl at the children.

“The dogs’ owners are always nearby, and help the children know their dog’s favorite ways to be petted,” Jacob explained. “The dogs let the children pet them, and often the owners will have the children offer the dogs treats.”