Therapy dogs help children learn to read

Program makes reading more fun

Dogs aren't normally allowed in public libraries. But these canines are special. They're there to help children learn to enjoy books through a program called Reading with Rover.

The premise is simple: match a child with a dog and have the child read to the pooch. The dogs provide a non-judgmental listener, freeing the child from pressure to read perfectly.

"These are children who need a lift with reading," said Florica Hagendorn, library assistant with the Clark County Library District and the person who spearheaded the program in Las Vegas. "They don't enjoy reading. They hate it. We hoped this was a fun way to get them to enjoy books."

Sessions take place at library branches and the dog's handlers are always nearby. The therapy dog owners even help out in pronouncing a word if asked, but otherwise, it's just the dog and the child.

Reading with Rover involves animals from K-9 Therapists of Las Vegas. Normally they visit hospitals and convalescent homes with their owners. But when the library district asked if they could be part of this new summer reading program, K-9 Therapists agreed. There are 55 dogs in the program, ranging from small terriers to sleek greyhounds to a 200-pound mastiff.

The dogs, who carry insurance up to $3 million, have gone through extensive training for their therapy duties and provide proof they are up on all their shots.

Hagendorn laughed when asked if the children have to have proof of rabies shots, too.

The program has been used in other parts of the country. Hagendorn, who started researching the program two years ago, modeled Las Vegas' program after those in Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C., and expanded on some ideas.

The Salt Lake City program, for example, sent out postcards as reading session reminders. Hagendorn, seeing its generic "Your next appointment is scheduled for ..." message, decided to go one better.

Her reminder post cards are written as though from the dogs and sport a paw print for a signature. They sound like a chatty pen pal: "I sure enjoyed our reading," and "Any books you can read me on how to catch a cat?"

Laura Van Epp and her Doberman, 7-year-old Max, are part of the program. Most people think of the breed as an attack dog, but Van Epp says Max is gentle because he's been so well trained. "I call him bomb proof," she said. "Children can lie on top of him and he won't care.

"These children are ages 6 to 9 so they're old enough to say, 'Hey, dogs don't read.' " Van Epp said. "But then if the children get animated when they read, they see (how the dog reacts) and they come around and say, 'Hey, he really is listening.' "

Max listens especially well if the child uses a doggie treat as a bookmark.

The program started in June and ends this month. Students in the Reading with Rover program meet with their assigned dog during a three-week period. Sessions are scheduled to be a half-hour long. Liz Martin, facility coordinator, said scheduling got creative when members left town on vacation.

Children were nominated for the program by teachers or parents. All branches host the dogs. The library district's summer reading program, aimed at all youngsters, also has a dog theme. It's called Paws for Reading.

Between the increase in patronage the libraries see in summer and scheduled events, space often has to be found for the Reading with Rover participants. But a quiet corner can be just the place to snuggle up with a book and a furry friend.

Reading With Rover is sponsored by the Library District. When Hagendorn moves to a new position with the Henderson libraries, she said she'll set the program there, too.

"Two of the most important things, to me, are reading books and children," Hagendorn said. "Putting the two together is just magical. I hope we can take a child who maybe hasn't found enjoyment in reading and help them to see how exciting reading is, unlock that door."


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