As reading partners go, Buddy, Missy and Scooter have all the ideal qualities. They “listen, don’t interrupt, and no one critiques the children,” said Pat Terek, of Cedar Lake.
And because they are dogs, they don’t flinch when a beginning reader mispronounces or stumbles over a word. “This is a non-judgmental area,” Terek added.
The dogs were in the Community Room at the Highland Branch of the Lake County Library on a recent Saturday through an activity made possible by Power Paws for Kids, Inc.
“This is a good opportunity for the kids to practice their reading skills. The more they practice, the better they get,” assistant librarian Cathy Watts said. “It’s a safe, relaxed environment where dogs love the attention — and the kids love giving it to them.”
Once a month, Power Paws visits the Highland Library, as well as other locations in the area, as part of their mission to offer animal-assisted therapy programs.
“Studies show that dogs relax people,” said Power Paws member Kathleen Kokot, of St. John, as she unleashed Buddy, her golden retriever, for a morning of fun interaction. “Our visits are beneficial to both sides — the kids can improve or add to their reading capabilities and the dogs enjoy the interest they show.”
Many animals involved in Power Paws are rescue dogs, she added. Owners are members of the traveling group, volunteering time to the effort.
“We visit schools, nursing homes — wherever we’re needed,” Terek said as she watched guests get down on the floor to pet her German shepherd Missy. “It’s heart-warming to see the little ones show such concern for the dogs. And using books is helpful for both sides.”
Indeed, some children may be having difficulty reading, and can feel non-threatened when sitting with the dogs. And others may be adding to/improving their reading aptitude. Either way, they find the experience a lot of fun, she added.
Daniel and Mariah Arroyo brought their children Amira, 5, Sydney, 4, and Noah 3, to the reading session.
“We had no idea this was being offered today, we just came to visit the library,” Daniel Arroyo said as their children gravitated toward the canines. “My oldest is just starting to read and this experience is wonderful for her.”
Scooter, a seven-year-old Chihuahua owned by Christopher Peace of Highland, was among the library traveling troupe.
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Rescued last year, the little dog had suffered a broken spine and uses a brace with wheels to get around. That disability did not deter the little guy from energetically working the room. And he did settle down a few times to check out the kids and the books they were holding.
“It’s amazing how kids react to animals, and how the animals react to what the kids are doing,” Aimee Adams of Highland said as her son Jaden, 11, read to Buddy. “I home-school my son and our dog always curls up in a nearby chair when we start our reading. It’s a relaxing atmosphere for everyone.”
More information about Power Paw for Kids, Inc. is at 219-671-0076 or www.powerpawsforkids.org.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.