Tales for Tails

Rodman Public Library offers children the chance to try their reading skills on local therapy dogs such as “Bear”, the cute five-pound bundle of Chihuahua joy owned by Ruth DeFranco. Dogs will “listen” to stories in the Children’s Program Room at the Main Library.

DeFranco is a therapy dog evaluator with Therapy Dogs International. All dogs that will be in attendance are members of Therapy Dogs International and the “Paws and Reflect” Pet Therapy group of Alliance Community Hospital. Studies have shown that children can become better readers when they regularly read aloud to dogs. An animal reading companion provides a relaxing, stress-free and non-judgmental “listening partner” for a beginning or struggling reader.

The program will be held from 2-4 p.m. Fifteen minute time slots are available. Patrons may sign up in advance for a preferred time slot. For more information, call the Children’s Department at 330-821-2665, ext. 223. (jm)