Many know that familiar pull a dog can have on us humans. They charm us with their playful antics, their sweet smiles and enthusiastic wags. That ubiquitous feeling can help adults and children in a very therapeutic way.
Beyond being personal companions, therapy dogs work in innovative, unique programs. One such program in Arizona is Paws 2 Read, which uses the skills of passionate pet owners and their amazing certified therapy dogs to improve childhood literacy.
Founding member Renee Wierz participated in a similar program in Flagstaff, Ariz., and saw the opportunity to implement the concept in the East Valley. She rallied some local therapy teams together and launched Paws 2 Read in March 2012.
Paws 2 Read visits library branches in the Mesa and Gilbert areas once a month, and invites local children of all ages to sit and read to an attentive, non-judgmental canine audience. Children choose a book and read to a therapy dog for an average of 15 minutes in a quiet, somewhat secluded area to make the children feel more comfortable reading aloud. No child is too young, and those still learning to read are welcome to select a picture book for their session.
Julie Moran, who helps run the organization, reports that the program has been incredibly successful. According to Moran, Paws 2 Read often receives feedback from parents on their child’s improved reading skills and increased desire to read for pleasure. Moran recalls, “One parent told us their child woke them up first thing in the morning because they were so excited to go to the library and read to the dogs, but the session did not start until that afternoon!” Moran and Wierz enjoy seeing children return session after session to read to the dogs.
The program’s benefits go beyond improved childhood literacy. Because the presence of a therapy dog is so calming and encouraging, children begin to open up and talk about aspects of their life they may never otherwise discuss. Some children learn for the first time how positive the human-animal bond can be. Further, according to Moran, some of the participating children cannot have pets of their own, so the sessions are invaluable in teaching them the power of a respectful relationship with an animal. Beyond building critical literacy skills and self esteem, Paws 2 Read is improving socialization and perspectives toward animals in children all over the East Valley.
Paws 2 Read has taken off in the community and will soon be expanding to Fountain Hills, Queen Creek, Phoenix and Scottsdale due to the high demand for the program. There are many ways to get involved, including participating as a therapy team, providing administrative assistance and donating various services to the organization. More information on becoming involved, locations and upcoming dates can be found on the Paws 2 Read website.
The best part is, this fantastic program can be replicated in any community. These passionate pet owners and their certified therapy pets are making a difference, and so can you!
