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Children read with Reese
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Reese laid down in front of sisters Gianna and Daphne after they read a book to him. The girls had the opportunity to practice their reading to Reese and his owner Dana Patrick.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Tales for Tales was an event on Jan. 23 at the Austintown library. Children picked out a book to read to Reese, a therapy dog, and spend time with him.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
Every so often the Austintown library hosts a Tales to Tails event for children to read to therapy dogs. This month children had the chance to read to Reese, a golden doodle therapy dog, on Jan. 23.
The children can bring a book from home or pick one out from the library to read to Reese. The library sets an hour aside for Reese and his owner, Dana Patrick, to visit, giving each child their own one-on-one time with Reese to read whatever book they wish.
“We started this in the summer. We come on a Saturday usually once a month and people sign up through the library to come here and the kids get to read to him,” said Patrick.
Austintown librarian Starr Jones said this event is one people really enjoy. There is always a good turnout and people are quick to register a spot for their children.
Patrick and Reese visit other places, such as schools, to give students a break from their regular school schedule and spend time with Reese. Patrick, a teacher for Austintown Local Schools, said she was working on a new system with the school called Reese Rewards. Teachers will give out Reese Rewards to students and when Reese visits once a month, Patrick will take the students who earned Reese Rewards to hang out with Reese. Students can read to him, play with him and learn how to take care of a dog.
“He is a community partner of Pet Partners therapy dog. Through that we call places and see who wants visits,” said Patrick about Reese.
Reese’s visits give children the opportunity to work on their reading skills in a non-judgemental zone, while also enjoying company from a dog.