Dogs Encourage Kids to Read
For children with low self-esteem, or for those who struggle with academic performance, the presence of a friendly, nonjudgmental friend can help immensely. That’s the premise of a program called Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.). Using dogs and their handlers, the program helps children ages 5 to 9 feel more comfortable reading. Literacy specialists believe that children who are behind their peers in reading skills often are intimidated by reading aloud in a group. To help them overcome that fear, young readers typically spend 30-minute sessions each week reading to their canine pals.
Dogs Help the Physically Challenged
Many of our canine friends are particularly good at helping the physically challenged feel more autonomous. The MIRA Foundation is a Montreal-based guide-dog school, and is the first in North America to provide assistance dogs to children. Esther Berman was one of the children who benefited from MIRA. When Esther became the youngest recipient of a guide dog in Canada at age 11, her goal was to be able to walk to and from school in her North York neighbourhood just like all the other kids. For two months over the summer, Esther worked with a MIRA trainer to build familiarity with Cayenne, the Labernese guide dog who would be her first canine companion. Sure enough, on her first day at a brand-new school, Esther and Cayenne walked to class together. Esther even credits Cayenne for helping her break the ice with her classmates.
Ordinary Dogs Do Extraordinary Things
To celebrate the unique contributions of so-called "ordinary" dogs, Eukanuba® sponsored the "Is Your Dog an ELITE Dog" Contest. Proud pet owners submitted photos and essays about their canine friends. Rosie, one of the five winners, is a soft and furry Australian shepherd with a talent for mothering. Rosie is travel companion and guardian of the family’s 1-year-old daughter. According to Rosie’s adopted family, "She is just an amazing family member in our eyes, and we can't imagine life without her. Even the cat loves her!"
