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Read to the Dogs
DONATE to the DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy (DLAATE) Program
This innovative program pairs young readers with trained dog-and-handler teams. The program helps children develop their reading skills by offering them a relaxed, non-judgmental environment in which to practice reading aloud. In this program, only the dogs may make corrections... and they never offer to.
Reading aloud to dogs:
• Increases enthusiasm for reading
• Develops reading skills
• Teaches children how to interact with animals
• Promotes confidence
Children register for half-hour sessions at their participating neighborhood library. During the session, the child chooses books from the library shelves and then reads aloud to the dog in a nook of the library. The dog's handler encourages the child to interact with the dog and may offer reading assistance if the child requests it. At the end of each session, children receive a certificate that will list all the books they read to their animal partner.
The best dogs for this program are:
• Calm
• Highly trained
• Well behaved
• Supportive listeners
 Research has also demonstrated that gently petting and talking to animals reduces stress and lowers blood pressure in humans. A well trained, friendly pet can instill a sense of calm, comfort and safety. The dog-and-handler teams are certified volunteers from the DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy and Education Program (DLAATE).
Participating libraries:
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Albina
503-988-5362
Beaverton
503-350-3611
Belmont
503-988-5382
Capitol Hill
503-988-5385
Cedar Mills
503-644-0043
Gregory Heights
503-988-5386
Gresham
503-988-5414
Hillsdale
503-988-5388
Holgate
503-988-5389
Hollywood
503-988-5391
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Midland
503-988-5392
North Portland
503-988-5394
St. Helens
503-397-4544
St. Johns
503-988-5397
Rockwood
503-988-5396
Sellwood-Moreland
503-988-5398
Sherwood
503-625-6688
Vancouver Mall Community Library
360-892-8256
Wilsonville
503-682-2744
Woodstock
503-988-5399
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For complete Schedule, log onto the Multnomah County Library’s website: www.multcolib.org/events/
Participating Schools:
Astor Elementary
Atkinson Elementary
Boeckman Elementary
Gilbert Heights Elementary
Hazelbrook Middle School
Harvey Scott Elementary
Kelly Elementary
Peninsula Elementary
Pioneer Elementary
Contact
 For more information, or if you would like to have you and your pet assessed for the DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy (DLAATE) program, please click here to complete the interest form. You can also contact Heather Toland, DLAATE program director, at 971.255.5910, or email her at htoland@dovelewis.org.
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