events

Zelda doing her favorite thing!

Kermit is still a kid at heart!

Zelda on the job!

Kermit and Zelda

Zelda enjoys reading cookbooks when she's not helping the kids!

R.E.A.D is a program that improves children’s reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method; reading to a dog.  R.E.A.D. began in 1999 by Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) and was the creation of Zelda’s owner, Dearborn resident, Sandi Martin, while on ITA’s Board of Directors.  It is the first comprehensive literacy program built around the concept of reading to a dog.  But not just any dog. R.E.A.D. dogs are registered therapy animals who along with their owner/handler receive additional training to provide them with the knowledge and skills that will help children improve their reading ability.

How Does it Work?  Dogs Can’t Read!

Of course dogs can’t read but they can be great listeners providing an unconditional, furry reading coach who can make the challenge of learning to read also fun.  They don’t judge, laugh or criticize a child, they allow children to proceed at their own pace, their presence relaxes the child and they are less intimidating to practice their reading with than their peers.  When a R.E.A.D. dog is listening the reading environment is transformed; a child’s dread of reading out loud is replaced by eager anticipation allowing learning to occur.  The handler also plays an important role as skilled facilitator by providing support that will build vocabulary, increase comprehension and confidence.

When R.E.A.D. first piloted its program in 1999, 7 therapy dogs and 1 therapy cat initiated the program.  Now 14 years later, there are over four thousand R.E.A.D. teams worldwide helping children to not just learn to read, but to love to read.  Participating kids have made great strides in not just their reading skills but their communication skills too, as well as building their self- esteem, confidence, and social skills.

R.E.A.D. Has Received Worldwide Media Attention: 

Hundreds of articles have been written about  the program and it has also been the topic of a number of books and TV programs such as Animal Planet, Dogs With Jobs, Martha Speaks on PBS, and a special feature with the late, news anchor, Peter Jennings on ABC News, to name a few.

How is Zelda Going to Celebrate R.E.A.D. Day?

This year Zelda and Kermit will celebrate the day by donating new children’s books to a number of programs in need.  They will also make a donation to the Friends of Dearborn Animal Shelter in memory of Olivia, the first R.E.A.D. dog, who was a rescue and Sandi’s inspiration for creating the program.  And to finish the day, a special treat for the fur balls of Frosty Paws, perhaps.

To learn how you and your therapy dog can become a registered R.E.A.D. team contact Sandi at booklady5285@aol.com.  Or visit the R.E.A.D. links on Intermountain Therapy Animals website at www.therapyanimals.org.