what is the r.E.A.D. program?
The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program improves children's reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to an animal. But not just any animal. R.E.A.D. companions are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team, going to schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for children.
what makes a good r.E.A.D. team
The Pet Partner must:
The Handler must:
- Possess solid obedience skills
- Be able to remain calm and quiet in low key settings and tolerant of unexpected chaotic and noisy environments
- Be patient of the child who is learning the proper way to interact with the animal
- Remain in control around other animals
- Demonstrate an excitement to go and participate in the READ environment
The Handler must:
- Enjoy children and demonstrate many of the qualities of their Pet Partner
- Like to read and be willing to explore children’s books
- Be sensitive to different personalities, and the challenges reluctant readers might possess
- Be flexible and willing make adjustments as needed
- Be your Pet Partners advocate at all times
CAREing Paws® is a registered affiliate R.E.A.D.® group. Reading Education Assistance Dogs® is a program of Intermountain Therapy Animals, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah
