Fur-ever reading

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

A new reading program at the Strathmore Municipal Library is for the dogs, literally. Fur-ever reading is a program where kids can read to Akiko, a six-year-old pug-Pomeranian mix who is Pet Access League Society (PALS) certified.
“It is a reading program designed for ages five and up,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services.
“When you think about it, dogs are the least judgmental animals out there and by giving children the opportunity to read to dogs it helps boost their confidence and there’s actually been studies proven on that.”
Akiko has gone through training and testing to be assessed for the correct health, obedience level, and temperament by a certified dog trainer.
Kaylee Vanderveerbpresented the idea to the library.
“My daughter always volunteers at the library and she’s very passionate about volunteering at the library,” said Heather Vanderveer.
“She’s also very passionate about wanting children to have a love for dogs … (and) educating them about dogs. She wanted to bring the two together.”
On Dec. 17 Hayley Taylor, 9, was reading Mrs. Jafee is Daffy to Akiko.
“It’s fun, really fun … because I never get to read with a dog,” said Taylor.
“We don’t have a dog at home and so it was just an opportunity for her to spend time (and have) the closeness of a pet and reading to her, I think is very special,” said Laura Taylor, Hayley’s mom.
Anyone wishing to sign their child up to read with Akiko can do so at the front desk, or by calling the library, 403-934-5440. Children are booked into four consecutive weekly sessions on Wednesday’s from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 pm.