I love watching King interact with a group of young children. The expression on his face exudes pure joy. He is so happy being in the middle of a group of adoring children. It’s no wonder he loves his job as a Bright Spot Reading Buddy for second and third graders at the Hilltown Charter School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. He’s perfectly suited for this type of therapy dog work. He’s content to lie down right next to a reader and quietly listen intently as he or she reads to him and shows him the illustrations accompanying the text.
This Tuesday, he was heading back to work after a long vacation. He was so excited as we pulled into the school parking lot. His tail was in constant wagging mode. First, he heard the kids calling out, Here’s King! For King, the fun had begun. He spent some time meeting with both of the classes so all the children could welcome him back. Then, the small group reading times began in King’s Office off the main lobby of the school. This time, the children read in pairs. While one read, the other got to pet King. Halfway through their session, they switched. Fun for everyone – me, too!