WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Inside the Mandel Public Library in downtown West Palm Beach, canine tails tackle a complete new which means.
“As a librarian, you need kids to fall in love with studying,” library director Lisa Hathaway stated.
Twice a month, elementary college college students who’re studying to learn or are timid about studying aloud can observe on remedy dogs like Reggie from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Unlike classmates, Reggie will not chuckle if children get caught on a phrase, however he’ll assist them sniff it out. He’s affected person, not pushy.
Alex Hagan/WPTV
Mason, a second-grade scholar, stated the dogs make the proper observe companion.
“Listens to me and, like, tries to lick my hand,” Mason stated of Reggie.
It’s his first time collaborating within the “Dog Tales” program. His mother stated it will not be his final.
“Oh yeah, we’ll be right here each week,” Shanita Williams stated.
Hathaway stated seeing the youngsters’ potential unleashed is particular.
“Some time again we had just a little boy in right here and he was studying to the canine, and he simply regarded up on the canine and he stated, ‘You’re my greatest good friend,’ and it was the cutest story,” Hathaway stated. “Because this is this child who was struggling to learn and, unexpectedly, he is studying as a result of he will get an opportunity to learn together with his greatest good friend.”
For a studying program that began 15 years in the past and has seen 19,000 children come via, there are not any plans to show the web page but.
The library is all the time searching for volunteers with dogs who will get them licensed to take part in “Dog Tales.” Currently, two dogs take part.
