Maddy Headed To The "Tails and Tales of Joy" Program

Well... after much delay, since certification, and fallen through plans (mainly on my part due to work changes)

We have FINALLY made it to our first "Therapy dog event"

Headed out to the local library for the "Tails and Tales of Joy" program where reluctant or beginner readers can read to the dogs.

Was very rewarding and met two awesome young readers. What amazed me the most, was how Maddy interacted with each reader. The first young lad had a learning disability, was quite introverted / shy, he lay on his stomach on the blanket and read quietly. Maddy picked up on his queues and stretched her paws right out beside him and leaned into him a bit and put her head down on her paws and just laid there and listened and got petted during breaks.

After his half hour was up, the next visitor was a young girl, with ADD/ADHD, she was as to be expected a bit all over the place, hyper, etc. So as she was reading, Maddy would lay there still and quiet, and when It was break time, Maddy got right in there with kisses, paw shakes and rolling around on her back for belly rubs.

Was quite neat to watch.

Really loved this picture of her before we headed off, yes, bragging a little, but I think she deserves it :)

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...psuqtyunkt.png

Outstanding!!! Well done TR.

Good for both of you. Outstanding.

Well done sir, well done

Excellent!!! It's a wonderful thing to share.

Nice job

These programs are so rewarding .... Not only for the program participant but equaling rewarding for the dog and handler! Good job Maddy and good job TR for volunteering!!

Great job Maddy and TR for giving back to the community.

That's fantastic, TR. Therapy dogs for reluctant readers! I never woulda thunk it.

Dogs don't judge ... although mine has looked at me skeptically when I recite poetry....

Thats awesome, good job to both of you.

Congrats and way to go! Definitely worth the brag. :)

Well done Maddy! Such a rewarding experience.

well done sir and a great dog you have there!

its amazing what dogs can pick up on, my lab when recieving biscuits from adults is very snatchy, and not gentle at all, no matter the scolding she gets, yet my 2 year old nephew who loves to give dogs treats, she is the most gentle around, we were so nervous when ryan started giving dogs treats, and obviously still are very cautious... but she takes the treats very slowly and easily from him...

Those kids will remember this for quite a while. Good for you for doing this.

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Originally Posted by welsh

That's fantastic, TR. Therapy dogs for reluctant readers! I never woulda thunk it.

Dogs don't judge ... although mine has looked at me skeptically when I recite poetry....

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Oh retrievers judge! usually after the third shot, and nothing has splashed down for them to get ;)

Pretty neat program for sure, less pressure / stress then having to read outloud at school infront of a class full or at home with the siblings, etc.

We have the sportsman show coming up and I will be at our DUCs booth and Maddy will be manning it as well :)

Wow that sounds like it was a very rewarding first session. Congrats to you and Maddy. Well done. :)