
The first child chosen to read with Dreamy today was a little whirlwind. She did not bring a book, so I asked her to choose one of mine. She went through a few, then picked one, but refused to read it. She only wanted to look at the pictures. She finished flipping through that one, then proceeded to do the same with another book. In the meantime, Dreamy was trying her best to “be” with this child. She prefers to be touching children during the READ sessions. She may lean on them, lay next to them, or even have just one paw making contact. But if she touched this child, the little girl would say “no!” and push her away. This didn’t seem to bother Dreamy in the least; she remained very relaxed and just seemed to give up on trying to make contact. She simply made herself comfortable between us.
I admit I was feeling a little overwhelmed, though. How was I to manage this child and make sure that she had a positive experience? She didn’t seem to have any interest in reading a book, or in dogs. I tried to prompt her along by telling her that we needed to read at least one book so she could get her card punched, and that Dreamy liked hearing the whole book.
Finally she picked out a book. She skipped over a page or two, but when I told her that Dreamy really wanted to know the story, she settled down and started reading. She read quickly but well. She actually finished the entire book! And by the end, she was no longer combative, but seemed much more relaxed. It dawned on me later that I had experienced that special magic of a therapy dog, that sometimes just their mere presence can make all the difference.
Jan McAfee & Dreamy
CAREing Paws R.E.A.D. Team - Tyrone Library
I admit I was feeling a little overwhelmed, though. How was I to manage this child and make sure that she had a positive experience? She didn’t seem to have any interest in reading a book, or in dogs. I tried to prompt her along by telling her that we needed to read at least one book so she could get her card punched, and that Dreamy liked hearing the whole book.
Finally she picked out a book. She skipped over a page or two, but when I told her that Dreamy really wanted to know the story, she settled down and started reading. She read quickly but well. She actually finished the entire book! And by the end, she was no longer combative, but seemed much more relaxed. It dawned on me later that I had experienced that special magic of a therapy dog, that sometimes just their mere presence can make all the difference.
Jan McAfee & Dreamy
CAREing Paws R.E.A.D. Team - Tyrone Library