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CODY, Wyo. (AP) — For Kacey Deroche her children's literacy is important enough to enlist canine support.
She brought her sons to the Park County Public Library's "Read to a Dog" event one Tuesday afternoon.
"They're both shy with reading out loud," Deroche said. "It has helped build their confidence."
Children's librarian Holly Baker thinks more people should know about the program.
"The importance of it is some kids need practice reading out loud and dogs are non-judgmental listeners," she said.
Deroche's two children, Gabriel, 6, and Michael, 7, were excited to read to a furry friend.
"It's really fun because I like dogs and I like reading," Gabriel said.
His brother likes to reward his four-legged audience.
"It's fun to read and I like to give the dog a treat at the end," Michael said.
Vieune Revolinski volunteers for the Read to a Dog program along with Joy, her canine companion.
Her dog is a 3-year-old mixed giant schnauzer and standard poodle.
She thinks the idea to involve dogs has merit.
"There are so many different approaches to teaching reading," she said.
Baker praised the efforts of people like Revolinski who bring their therapy dogs to assist kids with reading.
"The dog handlers are just as important as the dog," she said. "It is truly helpful to struggling readers."
Deroche is amazed at the library and the programs offered.
"Our library goes above and beyond," she said. "They're coming this whole month."
Revolinski says the experience is never boring.
"I've got this little boy Jasper reading to us," she said. "He just stops and says 'excuse me I don't think he's listening.'
"I said he always listens with his eyes shut so he can visualize."
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Information from: The Cody Enterprise, http://www.codyenterprise.com
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