Lily didn’t wear her usual blue Bright Spot therapy dog vest today when she reported to the Westhampton Elementary School for her reading time with the second graders. No, today was special. This was our last visit before the holiday break. Therapy dog Lilo joined us today, too. Lily went dressed as Santa Dog. She very willingly wore the red felt costume, complete with white trim and black buttons, but wasn’t happy about wearing the Santa cap. So, that stayed at home.
The children have been working on special greeting cards for the dogs. Each of the children had written a message inside their card and drawn a picture on the front cover of their reading dog. We all sat around in a circle and listened as the children read their messages. It was a very special time for all of us – with lots of hugs for Lily and Lilo.
I’m home now, reading the thoughtfully written words; looking at the pictures drawn with such care to include details like Lily’s white spots on her black fur. The messages are written with their neatest penmanship. Reading. Writing. Illustrating. What great learning has taken place these past four months with the Bright Spot Canine Reading Buddies Program at Westhampton Elementary School.