West Unity Library would like to invite area children to make an appointment to reserve their time to come and read to a visiting therapy dog. “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” will be available on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm beginning February 26. A therapy dog that has been trained as a “Tail Waggin’ Tutor” will be at the library to listen to each child read. Up to five students per hour will be allowed to sit and read to the dogs Sky, Myleigh, or Pebbles, for a 10 to 25 minute time slot.
According to the Therapy Dog International website, “The main objective of this program is to provide a relaxed and ‘dog-friendly’ atmosphere, which allows students to practice the skill of reading.” This program builds excitement about reading and is a great opportunity for children to improve their reading skills. Most children seem to naturally love dogs, and it brings them joy to be around them. The participating dogs have their certificates from Therapy Dog International and are trained to be calm and gentle. More information about “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” can be found at the TDI website: http://www.tdi-dog.org/OurPrograms.aspx?Page=Children+Reading+to+Dogs.
West Unity Library is located at 109 S. High Street in West Unity. For questions about the program or to make an appointment for a reading time, please contact Ruth Meyer at the library at 419-924-5237.