Routines have been established. The Westhampton Elementary School Reading-to-Dogs Program is in full-swing. As Lily and I walk through the main entrance of the school, she knows to take an immediate right turn into the office to check in. Occasionally, she gently elevates herself on her hind legs, standing tall at the office counter, her front paws placed on the countertop. She’s letting the school secretary know that Lily, the Bright Spot Reading Dog, has arrived for her reading time with the first and second graders. If she could sign-in herself, she would!
From the office, we cross the main lobby to the library and meet with Karen Rousseau, the school librarian, who gives us our list of assigned readers for the afternoon. Lily then leads the way to our special reading spot in the far back corner of the library. She gets settled in, comfortably lying down on the blanket provided by Mrs. Rousseau, and awaits the first student.
Two of our readers today picked books about dogs to read to Lily. I thought Lily would enjoy this book called Pickles Takes a Walk. Pickles is a dog. I think Lily will like to listen to a book about a dog, the first grader went on to say as he pet Lily’s head. A second grader had chosen a book about wolves. I think Lily will like learning about wolves. All dogs started out being wolves, he explained.
I have found that the children often pick out a book specifically because they think the Reading Dog will enjoy hearing it. Often the character or subject is a dog. Others say they want to share their favorite book with Lily. She might like learning about monster trucks, a reader announced.
At the end of the class period, Lily loves to head over to the doorway and there she sits as all the children pass through saying good-bye to her. She soaks up the attention: lots of hugs and petting. Tuesdays are a very special part of Lily’s week. A good therapy dog enjoys the job he or she is doing. Lily, clearly, is very happy being a Bright Spot Reading Dog.
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