ASHLAND —
Sisters Tatum and Breonna Rooker got to combine two of their favorite things Saturday: dogs and books.
The girls were among the parade of children who visited the Boyd County Public Library for a brand new program, reading to dogs.
They read two books, “Dinosaur Hunt” and “Always in Trouble” to a very patient and moderately attentive bichon frise named Oliver.
Tatum, who is 8, and Breonna, 7, took turns with each page, reading each of the books in its entirety. They pronounced the activity a complete success.
“Dogs are my favorite pets so it’s really nice to read to dogs. I know dogs love me and I love them,” Tatum said.
“It’s fun to read out loud because there’s an audience to read to,” Breonna added.
Most important, said library spokeswoman Courtney Jordan, children who read to dogs build confidence in their reading skills. That’s because with a canine audience, the pressure is off.
“The dog doesn’t judge if you stumble over words,” Jordan said. “You’re reading to a furry little friend that will love you no matter what.”
Further, the activity stimulates creativity, she said. One young reader finished her book and then wrote a story especially for the dog.
“They love to read and they love puppies,” said Verna Malone, the girls’ grandmother, beaming at them from the other side of the bookshelf. Malone agreed with Jordan’s reasoning. “Other children can be cruel but the puppy sits there listening. I think it’s a wonderful thing,” she said.
Oliver and a second bichon frise, Chad, are hospice dogs, trained for interaction with patients in nursing homes and care centers, said Nancy Bean, their handler. Bean is a volunteer for Hospice of Huntington.
The library plans to repeat the program from 2-4 p.m. Saturday in the children’s section at the main branch, 1740 Central Ave.
Children may read to the dogs in 15-minute sessions. They may bring a favorite book or borrow one from the library collection. The program is geared to children 12 and under but older kids may participate as well.
If it works out well, the library may make it a regular monthly activity.
MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2652.
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Library goes to the dogs
Furry friends lend an ear for program
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