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:

Albina   503-988-5362 Beaverton   503-350-3611 Belmont   503-988-5382 Bethany   503-617-7323 Capitol Hill   503-988-5385 Cedar Mill   503-644-0043 Gregory Heights   503-988-5386 Gresham   503-988-5414 Hillsdale   503-988-5388 Holgate   503-988-5389 Hollywood   503-988-5391

Midland   503-988-5392 North Portland   503-988-5394 Rockwood   503-988-5396 St. Johns   503-988-5397 Sellwood-Moreland   503-988-5398 Sherwood   503-625-6688 Three Creeks   360-571-9696 Tualatin   503-691-3071 Vancouver Mall Community Library   360-892-8256 Wilsonville   503-682-2744 Woodstock   503-988-5399

For complete Schedule, log onto the Multnomah County Library’s website: www.multcolib.org/events/

Participating Schools:

Astor Elementary
Boeckman Elementary
Boones Ferry Primary
Chapman Elementary
Elk Meadow Elementary
Gilbert Heights Elementary
Hazelbrook Middle School
Harvey Scott Elementary
Kelly Elementary
MITCH Charter School
Peninsula Elementary
Pioneer Elementary

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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