By Julie Snyder
C & G Staff Writer

ST. SLAIR SHORES — Reading is fun. For some, however, reading aloud while others listen can be nerve-wracking. For new readers, it can be downright scary.

St. Clair Shores Library officials say it shouldn’t be, and they’re willing to show youngsters just how easy and fun reading aloud can be.

Modeled off one of Missouri-based Support Dogs Inc.’s plethora of educational and therapy programs that uses dogs, the Paws for Reading program will be offered to local children twice a month through May.

Youth Services Librarian Lisa Nowc said the program, which is also widely known through the Intermountain Therapy Animals in Utah, has grown tremendously in recent years. Today, libraries across the country offer Paws for Reading-style programs, teaching children how to flex their reading muscles in the company of a non-judgmental and non-interrupting listening partner — a loveable and loyal canine companion.

“We’re getting on the bandwagon with cities like Sterling Heights and Chesterfield,” Nowc said. “It’s such a great success everywhere.”

The program in St. Clair Shores premiered on March 6 with Cody, a 9-year-old female therapy dog offering 15 minutes of listening time to each child in attendance. Nowc said the initial plan was to have Cody at the library for an hour the first and the third Saturday of each month, excluding June, July and August. But the trial run will determine if Cody’s services will be needed for a longer period of time. The next Paws for Reading program will be at 11 a.m. March 20.

“This program is really geared toward those children who are struggling with reading,” Nowc said. “This is a great way for them to learn how to read better, and Cody will not judge them, won’t correct them, and just really listen. It’s such a great program, and I hope we can continue it (after the summer).”

Cody, a mild-mannered golden retriever, is trained as a therapy dog and regularly visits ill children in local hospitals.

Bill Dahlkamp, Support Dogs Inc. director of programs, said Paws for Reading is one of their newest programs.

He said the purpose of Paws for Reading is having dogs come into either the classroom or a library, like in St. Clair Shores, acts as an incentive for the children to read and write.

“When we started, it was mainly for kids from kindergarten through eighth-grade, but we found that some kids … as old as 16 years old were struggling (with reading and writing) as well,” Dahlkamp said.

Results have shown an increase in reading levels and word recognition, and a higher desire to read and write, he said.

“It’s like killing two birds with one stone, so to speak,” Dahlkamp said. “They look forward to the dog’s visit, and they’ll oftentimes practice reading beforehand, so they are learning to read better in the long run.”

Dahlkamp said dogs involved in free Paws for Reading dogs have to be especially calm and unobtrusive to settle in as part of the class or library setting.

An opportunity to read a story to Cody will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  Nowc said children who want to read should arrive early to get a spot in line. Children may read any book they wish. 

The St. Clair Shores Public Library is located at 22500 11 Mile. For more information, call the St. Clair Shores Public Library Youth Services Department at (586) 771-9020, ext 273.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Snyder at jsnyder@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1039.