Paws to Read

Kids, dogs, and books. . . what a great relationship! Paws to Read attracts children from the entire spectrum of reading levels who come once a month on a Sunday afternoon to read to trained therapy dogs.

The dogs, family pets representing many breeds, and their owners who volunteer their time have been certified in pet therapy. It has been observed over and over that children's reading abilities improve as they gain confidence by reading to dogs. Why? The dogs listen uncritically and wag their tails as the kids read. In addition to reading improvement, Paws shows kids how to relate to dogs as pets. How? The loving relationship between the dog and its owner helps foster kindness, respect, and good animal interaction skills. Each participant is required to have a permission slip signed by a parent.

2:30 p.m. at the Williamsburg Library on the following Sundays in 2012