Wissahickon Valley Public Library’s Read to Dogs Pairs Kids With Pooches

The Wissahickon Valley Public Library’s summertime Read to Dogs program, held on Thursday mornings at the Blue Bell branch, is a chance for kids to practice reading to a cuddly someone who is always happy to listen; this morning the four participating therapy dogs sat, begged, shook paws and brought smiles to the faces of the children who came to read to them.

According to library summer employee Sally Pavlik, who teaches elementary school during the school year, the women who bring their therapy dogs to Read to Dogs approached the library a few summers back to inquire about starting the program.  It has been running for three years.

The purpose is “to be comfortable to read or for the children who can’t have dogs to enjoy the dogs and do tricks with the dogs,” Pavlik said.

Georgia Boni brought her Italian greyhound Dante, who was participating for the first time.  Cathy Krauss brought Jersey, an Australian Shepherd mix she had rescued.  Arlene Lavner brought Bella Rose, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Marjorie Weintraub brought Thomas, a rescue dog and also a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

Liv, 7, read to Thomas.  “I liked it a lot,” she said.  “I’ve been here twice and I love dogs and I love to read.”

Jack Tabor brought his daughter Ramsey, 6, who read to Bella Rose and Dante.  “I love it,” he said.  “I think everyone benefits.  I don’t know who’s more excited, the child or the dogs.”

The four dogs act as therapy dogs in other locations, such as hospitals, or in the homes of people who do not often leave their residences.  Boni and Dante spend part of the year in Florida, where Dante is busy at hospitals and charity events with tennis pros to raise funds for the humane society.   

“She loves it.  They get so excited,” said Lavner, who alternates Bella Rose with the dog’s sister, Peppershaker.  Their younger sister Cappuccino will soon be old enough to train to be a therapy dog.

For more information about Read to Dogs, which runs through August 1 and requires registration, click here.