Dogs are all ears while children read

By Jon Moffett

The dogs are trained to deal with loud noises and to remain calm.

Books have gone to the dogs for some children who want a little extra reading practice during the summer months.

Dakota, Stella and Walker, three dogs involved in the K-9s for Compassion program, were special guests Tuesday of the Warren branch of the Trumbull County Public Library. The three dogs lent their ears as the library introduced its “Pups & Pages” program.

“There has been research that shows reading to the dogs helps children’s literacy skills,” said Lori Faust, manager of the youth services department. “They’re nonjudgmental, and they’re very accepting of what they hear. It can be helpful, particularly for kids that have problems or are struggling.”

The Thomas Meeting Room on the second floor was transformed into a reading room with blankets laid out for the children and dogs to sit on. Children were each assigned a 20-minute session with a dog and were allowed to bring their favorite book or read one the library provided.

Moira Armstrong, 9, of Howland brought “The Wizard of Oz” to read to Walker, a 5-year-old Welsh springer spaniel.

“It’s my favorite book,” Moira said. “It was good.”

Moira said she enjoyed reading to Walker because he listened the entire time and didn’t interrupt.

“I don’t usually read out loud, so it helped me practice that,” she said.

Moira’s parents, Kim and Terry Armstrong, are allergic to dogs, making it impossible for Moira to have her own.

“She loves to read, and she loves dogs, but we can’t have one at home,” Kim Armstrong said. “We’re allergic, but she’s not, so she was really excited to spend some time with the dog.”

Kim Armstrong said Moira is a strong reader but attended because she enjoys reading aloud.

“As they get older, they read out loud less, so this is fun for her to act like she’s the teacher,” she said.

Anna Cristo, 9, of Warren read a collection of short stories to Dakota, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever. She said reading to the dogs helps them, too.

“It was lots of fun, and I like doing things for the dogs because it helps them,” Anna said. “And it helps me learn to be kind.”

Other children, like Madyson Sabolsky, 6, of Champion, had practiced reading on their own dogs. Madyson practiced with her dog, Slash, and read to Walker on Tuesday.

Her mother, Heather, said, “The kids feel really comfortable with them — and what child doesn’t like animals?”

Faust said some children at similar events will prepare for a month before reading to the dog.

Dakota showed his appreciation for Anna by resting his head on her lap and laying on his side as she read.

Cindy Rhine works for K-9’s for Compassion, a group visiting nursing homes, schools and other places with therapy dogs.

“They’ve gone through testing to make sure they are able to come to situations like this,” she explained.

She said the dogs are trained to handle loud noises and objects such as walkers or wheelchairs, and to sit calmly without barking. She added that K-9’s for Compassion trains all breeds. The training varies in length for each dog.

Faust said a patron of the library suggested the event, which is similar to what other libraries have done. Faust agreed and set up the event, which will occur two more times over the summer.

She said the children are rewarded by gaining confidence and satisfaction in their reading abilities. The dogs were rewarded with treats and a lot of attention following the reading sessions.

The library will have the program again from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 14 and Aug. 11. Registration is required.

For more information or to register, call (330) 399-8807, ext. 401.

jmoffett@vindy.com