Paws and Read Workshops

Paws to Read Workshop - Monday, October 4th 6:00pm – 9:00pm

What is Paws and Read?

Paws and Read, an exciting new program featuring certified therapy dogs and their handlers, is underway in Connecticut schools, libraries, book stores and dog training facilities. Dog Gone Smart will soon be offering a three-hour workshop on how you can create a Paws and Read program in your area.

Peaceful Paws, Inc. (Sally Sizer, President, and Instructor at Dog Gone Smart), was the VERY FIRST Delta-certified therapy pet organization to bring the Paws and Read program to the State of Connecticut six years ago. Since then, many 'read' programs have been created and modeled after the Paws and Read program, which works mainly with Delta-certified therapy pets.

Delta Pet Partners are volunteers who work in teams as handlers with therapy dogs with children ages 6 to 8 years old, for 20 minutes each week, in a four-week session. The child participating in the program selects a book to read aloud to a Delta-certified therapy pet (note: teams will often work under the guidance of a Reading Specialist). The dog's handler sits nearby to guide the session, but is minimally involved. Children are motivated to read because they tell us "reading to dogs is fun!" The dogs bring a wonderful combination of kindness, curiosity and patience to the task of reading.

Working with therapy pets a Reading Education Assistant Dogs is another way for Pets Helping People in Connecticut. Donations of money or children's books and small stuffed animals are appreciated for this non-profit endeavor. This program is endorsed by the National Delta Society.

For additional information on "helping children read with dogs" please contact Ms. Sally Sizer, Delta Evaluator and Instructor at (860) 399-5634, or email at Sizer102@yahoo.com

Pre-Requisite: Teams must have already successfully passed the Delta Pet Partners test OR have scheduled an appointment to be tested by Sally Sizer.