Lily was so excited to get a special trim yesterday in preparation for heading back to school in her official role as a Bright Spot Reading Buddy. Holiday Break was extended on both ends due to school cancellations and early dismissals. She was eager to get back with the first and second grade boys and girls at Westhampton Elementary School in Westhampton, Massachusetts, who enjoy reading stories to their Bright Spot Reading Buddy Lily.
Lily’s session today was a welcomed break from the cabin fever both canines and humans have been suffering in our house. First lots of snow and frigid temperatures, then a flash of warm air and rain melting away lots of the snow, then frigid temps and high winds moving right back in, leaving an icy covering making walking about treacherous and necessary to stay inside. Lily loved reuniting with the students and getting lots of petting and hugs during whole class time with Lily prior to starting the one-on-one reading sessions with four different readers. I must admit, it was a great tonic for me, too. 
King will have his chance to get back to work both as a Reading Buddy and a visiting therapy dog on Thursday when he listens to children in the Green and Yellow Groups at the Hilltown Charter School in Haydenville, Masachusetts read stories to him. From the children at Hilltown, he moves on up the road to the elderly folks at Linda Manor Extended Care Facility in Leeds, Massachusetts. These folks adore his weekly visits and eagerly await his arrival.
Once their jobs are complete, the Reading Buddy duo, therapy dog vests removed, heads right back to the comfort of the dog beds and the warmth of the fire. I go back to my laptop, set-up close to the fire, as well. The wind chill factor makes the air feel way below zero. Once in awhile I gaze out the window at my snow-covered gardens topped with a glazing of ice and ponder my gardening plans, hoping for an early spring.
