We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve taken a step forward in our community engagement efforts by sponsoring a Story Dog team! Story Dogs is a unique program designed to make reading fun for children, and improve their literacy skills, by having them read to trained dogs.
Reading skills are critical for the development and educational growth of children. However, not all kids find reading an enjoyable task; some struggle with confidence or are simply disinterested in books. That’s where Story Dogs comes in. The program connects trained dogs and their handlers with schools, where they work with children to boost their reading abilities and self-esteem.
The presence of a calm and non-judgmental furry friend allows children to relax and focus on the reading experience. Without pressure, kids feel more comfortable making mistakes and learning from them, which is an essential part of the educational process.
Our sponsored Story Dog team consists of a kind-hearted Labrador named Buddy and his handler Susan, who have undergone rigorous training to ensure they provide support in the most effective and comforting manner possible. They will be visiting local schools regularly, giving individual attention to kids who need it the most.
This sponsorship aligns perfectly with our ethos of giving back to the community and investing in our future generations. For each session that Buddy and Susan attend, we will also be donating books to the school’s library, ensuring that the joy of reading is propagated even further.
Through this partnership, we aim not only to enhance children’s reading abilities but also their love for books and their overall well-being. With each word read aloud to Buddy, these children are building brighter futures, and we’re proud to be a part of that story.
