THERAPY DOGS GO DIGITAL FOR YOUNG READERS AT HOME
DoveLewis Therapy Dog, Marvin, piloted virtual canine therapy with an afternoon reading session for young students keeping up their reading skills at home.
PORTLAND, Ore – Social distancing has not stopped Marvin, a therapy dog in DoveLewis’ canine-assisted therapy program, from volunteering for his community. On Tuesday afternoon, Marvin hosted 543 unique viewers on Facebook Live for a “read to the dogs” virtual session.
“He’s really missed his therapy work, and helping students practice their reading skills is one of his favorite things to do,” said Kathy Loter, Marvin’s owner and Program Director of DoveLewis’ Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams. Young readers and their parents joined the live session where Marvin “listened” patiently and happily onscreen from his bed as readers told him through comments about their book and what a good boy he is.
“Reading to a dog can really build a child’s confidence,” said Loter. “And we were happy to help out some of the parents who are looking for ways to keep their kids engaged with their studies.”
DoveLewis has over 80 teams of a career-change or retired service dogs and committed handlers. Last year, they volunteered over 7,000 hours supporting people that could benefit from a dog’s healing presence—primarily children, communities in crisis, hospital patients, first responders, and people in recovery—but on March 12 the program cancelled upcoming therapy visits to adhere to social distancing best practices. Loter says that the teams have stayed in close contact with their typical facilities, sending positive messages and photos of the dogs. “So many of the people our teams visit with are vulnerable,” said Loter, “it’s incredible to hear how much the dogs are missed. They really make such a difference to people when they need some comfort, so we're doing what we can from our homes."
Other DoveLewis therapy dogs will host reading sessions throughout the week.
What: Read to DoveLewis Therapy Dogs
When: 1pm - 2pm on Tuesday, March 31 – Friday, April 3
Where: DoveLewis’ Facebook page
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