Therapy Dog Teams

Then there are the kids: kids everywhere, the smells of candy and goldfish crackers and crayons and all things kids, followed by the welcomes and the hugs and the excitement that both kids and dogs try hard to contain, as they know they should be calm around each other.

More than 23 therapy dog teams work as volunteers with the Moore County Citizens’ Pet Responsibility Committee (PRC) and its associated Reading Tails program.

Before the school doors were abruptly closed, they participated in the six-session Pet Responsibility Education Program for fourth-graders and in the Reading Tails Program. During the education program, they joined the students in the classroom as ambassadors for all dogs. They exemplified a well-cared for, well trained and loved dog.

Many of the therapy dog teams also worked with the Reading Tails program which pairs teams with students who are striving to improve their reading and comprehension skills. Therapy dogs enjoy listening to students read and pass no judgement, offering only silent encouragement and a wet nose.

Some of the dogs have also been “comfort dogs” during times of stress and crisis at school.

In early June, many of the teams joined a Zoom call and shared their sadness at not being able to be in the schools. They brainstormed on how they still might reach out to the students.

The PRC had already placed their education program materials online for students and their families to access. Christie Hartlove and her dog, Bonnie, added a video to Lesson 4 to add some variety and introduce the students to a therapy dog. The pair also made a video of Christie reading with Bonnie the book, “Can I Be Your Dog?”, a story of perseverance and resilience.

Since the call, other teams have added videos of book readings. Harlove and Bonnie have added two more and are also working on additional videos for the online lessons.

The books emphasize being kind, respectful and responsible pet owners and making a difference for the animals that share our lives.

The PRC encourages kids and their families to check out the Home Learning Plan, accessible from the home page at www,mcprc.org Scroll down for the book reading videos and visits with the therapy dogs.

“The dogs look forward to seeing the students again,” says a spokesman. “It could be that they are present to provide comfort during a time of transition. It could be that they meet virtually with students who will read to them. They are talking about it among themselves!”