The reading program is the inspiration of Taylor Schools reading teacher, Kate Capion and "The Fur Angels" founder, Martha Hall. (Both Pictured Left) Both have the desire and motivation to reach out and help children learn to read. Together they have joined forces to do just that with "Reading with the Angels". The therapy dogs are the ideal audience, providing a positive, non-intimidating and fun environment, to a child who is just learning to read and struggling with new words. The dogs don't tease or rush the child as they read a story aloud at their own speed and proficiency. Instead of getting flustered or embarrassed, the children read aloud with focus and confidence. Their fear is soon replaced by self-esteem and determination. Our reading program has been a motivator to encourage better reading skills and self confidence in children.

The members of the "FUR ANGELS" who participate in this program must first go through extra training and be qualified to help with reading. Members are supervised at all times in the schools and libraries. Those interested in learning more about the work of the "FUR ANGELS" Please contact us we be glad to help you in anyway we can.

Read about "Reading with the Angels" in The News-Herald

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Some facts about reading with dogs programs:

"Researchers in the US found that reading to dogs helped children improve their fluency by up to 30 per cent. Many animal organizations and libraries in the US already have reading improvement schemes where they pair up children and dogs"

"The dogs, in contrast to a human, don't judge the individual, aren't grading the individual, and that allows the children to build some confidence in their reading skills."

Children told the researchers that:
"I feel relaxed when I am reading to a dog because I am having fun."
Another added that:
"The dogs don't care if you read really, really bad so you just keep going."

In addition to increased reading fluency, teachers have also noted:

Decreased absenteeism Kids have improved self-confidence and self-esteem Kids have a sense of pride in their accomplishments Kids become involved in other school activities Kids have improved hygiene Kids are gentler and have more respectful interactions with animals Kids find reading fun and volunteer to read aloud in class Kids check out books from the library and ask the librarian about books

There are numerous articles written which document the direct link between children and dogs reading, the facts listed come from Wikipedia.org the free encyclopedia but there are tons of infomation out there on the benefits.

Some of our Fur Angels hard at work: