The Paws to Read program started in 2003 as part of the READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program. Our mission is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered Pet Partner dog/handler teams as literacy mentors. Literacy specialists acknowledge that children who are below their peers in reading skills are often intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem, and view reading as a chore. Children participating in the READ program have shown decreased absenteeism, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, and more trips to the library.
Boomer rests quietly while an elementary school student reads him a story.
Students read to the dogs for approximately 15 minutes. The dogs provide a positive, non-threatening audience to help sharpen communication skills. They never laugh when a child stutters or mispronounces a word. Around the dog, most children start to relax and forget about how “hard” reading can seem. In fact, most participants find it fun and can’t wait for their next Paws to Read session.
Other READ programs have found that having children read to a dog can increase enthusiasm, develop reading skills, teach children how to interact with pets and promotes confidence in the participants. Some students increased their reading levels by as much as two grades. Heeling Partners currently has its Paws to Read program at Glenwood Elementary School in Glenwood Springs and at Highland Elementary School in Rifle. For more information on the READ program, visit the Intermountain Therapy Animals website at www.therapyanimals.org.
The Paws to Read program started in 2003 as part of the READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program. Our mission is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered Pet Partner dog/handler teams as literacy mentors. Literacy specialists acknowledge that children who are below their peers in reading skills are often intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem, and view reading as a chore. Children participating in the READ program have shown decreased absenteeism, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, and more trips to the library.
Boomer rests quietly while an elementary school student reads him a story.
Other READ programs have found that having children read to a dog can increase enthusiasm, develop reading skills, teach children how to interact with pets and promotes confidence in the participants. Some students increased their reading levels by as much as two grades. Heeling Partners currently has its Paws to Read program at Glenwood Elementary School in Glenwood Springs and at Highland Elementary School in Rifle. For more information on the READ program, visit the Intermountain Therapy Animals website at 