URGENT UPDATE: The Hobart Library is hosting a transformative reading program featuring comfort dogs, designed to help children relax while reading. The event, part of the Read to a Dog initiative, aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for school-aged children to interact with well-trained K-9s.
Just announced by branch manager Jo Bonner, the program takes place on Fridays after school, offering kids a calming break from their busy week. “These dogs are LCC (Lutheran Church Charities) K-9 Comfort Dogs, all calm and well-behaved,” Bonner stated, highlighting the importance of the program for emotional wellness.
At the latest session, 4-year-old Liam Rogers enthusiastically participated, reading to Michael, a five-year-old comfort dog, with assistance from his father, Eric Rogers. Liam’s mother, Melissa Rogers, expressed her belief in the program’s benefits: “When we heard about the Read to a Dog session, we thought this would be a good experience for him.”
The emotional impact of the program is profound. According to Dan Fulkerson, a volunteer trainer from the local Trinity Lutheran Church, interaction with comfort dogs can significantly reduce stress. “When you pet an animal, your heart rate goes down, your blood pressure goes down, and that leads to relaxation,” he explained.
The program is not just about reading; it’s about building connections. Fulkerson shared that they also visit nursing homes and hospitals to provide comfort when needed. “This past year, we visited a local high school the week before students took their end-of-semester final exams,” he noted, underscoring the program’s wide-reaching benefits.
Lutheran Church Charities, based in Northbrook, Illinois, partners with local churches to facilitate the K-9 comfort dog program, which has affiliates in 27 states. Volunteers undergo extensive training to ensure they and the dogs are well-prepared for their roles.
As the session unfolded, Liam bonded with Michael, expressing delight in his soft fur, saying, “I think he likes me.” This simple statement encapsulates the heartwarming essence of the program, highlighting its impact on young participants.
Parents and educators have praised the Read to a Dog program for its positive influence on children. The calming presence of the dogs not only aids in reading proficiency but fosters empathy and emotional well-being.
What’s next? The Hobart Library will continue to host these sessions, welcoming more young readers to share their stories with comfort dogs. This initiative is a crucial step in promoting mental health and literacy among children in the community.
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