Buchheister of PAWS for Reading with dogs Lucy and Annabelle at the Rochester Hills Public Library
Photo special to The Oakland Press
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A couple of times a month children head to the Brandon Township Public Library to read a book to their friend Oliver. The young readers are eager to sit with him, often throwing their arms around his neck for a quick hug before opening their book. Sometimes they even shake his paw.
Oliver is a 5-year-old Therapy Dog International-certified golden retriever. He loves to listen to children read as part of the library's Tales to Tails program.
The Brandon Township Public Library is one of several Oakland County libraries offering programs that pair young readers with trained canine friends. While each operates independently, they all follow the same basic premise: allowing children uninterrupted time to practice their reading skills without an adult correcting their pronunciation or pointing out other mistakes.
"The kids at the library love him," said Oliver's owner, Paula Orminski of Clarkston. "It seems to relax them and calm them."
Oliver and fellow TDI-certified canine Ally give children an opportunity to read while boosting their confidence, said Fran Runnells, head of youth services at the Brandon Township Public Library. Children seem to be less intimidated when they are reading a book to dogs and they love seeing Oliver and Ally, she added.
At the library, children can read to Oliver on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 11:15 a.m. Ally and her owner are at the library at 4 p.m. the first and third Thursdays.
The PAWS for Reading program at the Rochester Hills Public Library has been very popular, said Mary Wilson, manager of youth services. Children make an appointment to sit with TDI-certified Newfoundlands Lucy and Annabelle and their trainer in a comfortable area with beanbag chairs for 15 minutes at a time. Currently the program is booked through the first part of June, she said.
The kids light up when the dog comes into the room, said Wilson.
Many participants are in grades K-3, but older and younger children are welcome and enjoy reading to Lucy or Annabelle as well, she said. Children too young to read can choose a book without words and read to Annabelle or Lucy from the photos, added Wilson.
Sometimes children bring a book that they have practiced reading at home before giving it a try on Lucy or Annabelle, said Liz Buchheister, who owns the dogs and sits with them and the children during the reading sessions.
Buchheister knew the temperaments of the dogs would lend themselves well to therapy work, so she was eager to get them certified. Being certified through Therapy Dogs International means the dogs have mastered basic obedience skills, greet people willingly and are able to handle distractions like loud noises. The canines also walk well on a leash and can handle supervised separation such as being left with a friendly stranger for at least three minutes and can obey "leave it" commands, said Buchheister.
"They are so good with the kids," she said.
PAWS for Reading has attracted individuals, families and organizations, said Wilson. Appointments are scheduled from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
For more information about Tales to Tails, call the Brandon Township Public Library youth services department at (248) 627-1462.
To make an appointment with Lucy or Annabelle at the Rochester Hills Public Library, call (248) 650-7140.
Those interested in learning more about getting their dogs certified for therapy work are welcome to attend a therapy dog seminar Buchheister will present at 7 p.m. June 17 at the Trainers Academy in Troy.
Call (248) 616-6500 or visit www.woofology.com and click on the special events link for more information including registration details.
