Read to a Dog

Our local libraries have a recurring event called "Read to a Dog" where kids can come in and gain confidence and practice reading out loud to a non-critical audience, service dogs. It's a good idea, but the kids aren't one-on-one with the dogs, they are in front of other kids, their parents, and the handlers. But still a good idea and good practice.

 

I asked the handlers what the dogs' job was. They said that the dogs are feel-good animals. They go to libraries, hospitals, and nursing homes, mostly. Their job is to make people happy.

 

We arrived before our friend and the dogs and Nicco thought it was a weird idea, reading to a dog. Pfft. Then the dogs came in. First was a big grey poodle. "That's a fluffy dog!" said Nicco. I asked if he would like to read to that fluffy dog. He said no. Then a spotted, droopy-eyed, black and white dog came in. He said he didn't want to read to that dog either. There followed a bouncy little westie, a golden retriever, and an old black lab. Nicco said he wanted to wait for all the dogs before he chose, but they were quickly claimed by the children filing in. He chose Jesse, the droopy-eyed spotted dog. He was a friendly dog, but the least cute, I thought.

 

Nicco started reading "Dog Loves Drawing" to Jesse while we waited for his buddy to arrive.

 He was less shy and scooted up closer once Ryan showed up.

The kids took turns reading and giving the dog treats.

Nicco decided to check out the book he read. Maybe my little aspiring artist will use the ideas in the story to diversify his own portfolio.

It was cute and fun. For me. I think Nicco thought it was weird. But, when we snuggled for sleep, he said it was "sorta fun" and he would do it again. "But with a cute dog. You know, Aunt Di's new puppy."