READing night

Treasure has branched out to join the PAWS for Reading program at the local library.  She enjoys helping children to feel confident about reading out loud in a safe, non-judgmental setting.  Can she hear the story?  No, but she can feel the soothing petting of hands and the vibrations of the reader's voice.  Although Treasure is fairly laid back, I wondered if she would get bored just laying in one place while people read to her.  But she loves it!  She lays attentively nearby and loves all the extra attention of petting while someone reads out loud.  She seems to know when the reader gets to the end of the story, and will only then get up from her resting place. 

Here's a picture of her at the library with some of her favorite books.  What About Daisy is about a blind-deaf dog, just like Treasure, as is the book For Pete's Sake.  Cool Dog, School Dog is about a dog that goes to school to participate in a reading program there.  Next to Treasure is her (stuffed) friend Milton.  Milton goes along to help bridge the gap for any young readers who may be hesitant to interact with a live dog.  They pet Milton and then very quickly are comfortable petting Treasure, because she is Milton's friend. 

Last month we made a special trip to West Bradford Elementary School.  They were having a family Dr. Seuss reading night and they wanted dogs for the students to read to.  It was great fun!  So many students and families kept coming into the room to sit on Treasure's reading quilt.  And Treasure and I got to hear our favorite Dr. Seuss stories all evening long!  Thank you to one of the staff members, Debbie Parkinson, for snapping this picture of us on our way out at the end of the night.

And here is Treasure, all tuckered out from all those stories!  The school sent Treasure and her reading pals home with bags of biscuits and specially made scarves!  How cool is that?!