by Emma Rose Rowan Public Library
If you have ever been comforted by a K-9, you can
understand why the Rowan Public Library has adopted the Tail Waggin’ Tutors
program. Tail Waggin’ Tutors is a program developed by Therapy Dogs
International (TDI) to encourage struggling readers to become confident and proficient
readers with the help of a furry friend.
First through third grade students may come to the library with a book,
magazine and/or graphic novel from home or should feel free to select one from
Rowan Public Library’s wonderful collection. A library staff member typically
selects a group of age- and grade-appropriate books featuring K-9 companions
for the children to read from, if they choose. The child then sits in a quiet
comfortable area with a licensed and seasoned therapy dog to read aloud to him
or her. The benefits of this program to its participants include, but are not
limited to, an increase in self-confidence, reading skills, comfort level with
dogs and excitement to visit their local library. The program invites readers
with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate as well.
Currently there are
three registered therapy dogs participating in the Tail Waggin’ Tutor programs
at Rowan Public Library. Each one has a calm, friendly and non-judgmental
spirit that reassures children so that they feel relaxed while they practice their
reading skills.
Meet
Duprix!
Duprix
is a beautiful jet black standard poodle who has been working as a therapy dog
for over eight years! He was rescued around the age of three by Charlotte
Molrine and is now twelve years old. He has comforted those in need at assisted living
centers, hospitals, and even at the Catawba College Library last year where he
gave students some peace during the hectic exam period.
Meet
Oliver!
Oliver
is a six year old labradoodle (Labrador and Poodle mix) who has been a therapy
dog for almost five years. His handler is Barbara Teichroew, who claims happily
that “she works for Oliver and not the other way around”. When Oliver is not at
Rowan Public Library, he is on assignment, giving joy and comfort to those in
need at the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House, Novant Health Facilities in Rowan County
and the Salisbury VA Medical Center. His curly white coat is soft and his
demeanor is even softer!
Meet
Thor!
Thor
has been a certified therapy dog for two years and just celebrated his fourth
birthday. Thor is a handsome old English bulldog with a great personality! His
owner is Ida Ellams and this duo loves children, reading and other dogs. Ellams
says that “Thor loves going to work and is always happy to meet a new friend!”
While children are reading peacefully to Thor, he sometimes falls asleep and
begins to snore. Ellams likes to tell the children that he is probably dreaming
about being the dog in the story that they are reading.
All
three Rowan Public Library branches are participating in this program, so call
the children’s room at your local library for more information or to reserve a
time slot at the next Tail Waggin’ Tutor event! Slots are filling up fast!
East
branch (Rockwell): 704-216-7842
Headquarters/Main
(Salisbury): 704-216-8234
South
Rowan Regional (China Grove/Landis): 704-216-7728
If
you would like your dog to participate in this program contact, Youth Services
Supervisor, Jennifer Nicholson at Jennifer.nicholson@rowancountync.gov. Reading
teams must be registered with Therapy Dogs International. For more information
about Therapy Dogs International, visit their website at www.tdi-dog.org.
For more information about Rowan Public Library’s Tail Waggin’ Tutor dates and
times, visit our website at www.RowanPublicLibrary.org and click on the Kids
Space link.
If
you love man’s best friend check out these fascinating non-fiction titles about
the powerful impact therapy dogs can make on their community.
ü A dog walks into a nursing home :
lessons in the good life from an unlikely teacher
by Sue Halpern
ü The Dog who loved too much : tales,
treatments, and the psychology of dogs by Nicholas H. Dodman
ü Where the trail grows faint : a
year in the life of a therapy dog team by Lynne Hugo
ü The healing power of pets :
harnessing the amazing ability of pets to make and keep people happy and
healthy by Marty Becker
ü 100 dogs who saved civilization :
history's most influential canines by Sam Stall
All
of the above are available at Rowan Public Library along with many more to help
you choose, train, feed, rescue, understand and enjoy dogs!
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