R.E.A.D.
Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 8:15 PM
So now you have your dog certified as a therapy dog. If you would like to go on and do something more exciting and rewarding for your community, consider the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) program. This is also a national program and in most cases, you will function as an independent volunteer. You will assist elementary school Reading Coaches who need an extra stimulus for children who are reading below grade level. Children read to the dog without intimidation. Your dog creates an environment that makes the child feel special and not singled out or different. For this there is only one organization for national certification: R.E.A.D. A Program of Intermountain Therapy Animals www.therapyanimals.com 1-801-272-3439. They can tell you if there is anyone in your area doing this volunteer work. You can order the course, take the exam, get your team certification, and get started presenting yourself to school boards, libraries, book stores, etc. In some areas like here in JAX, FL, we have an umbrella organization patterned after the national program that assists in fund raising to help offset the cost of supplies and books. See pawsitivepets.org
Finally, if you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me. If I can't answer your question, I can refer you to someone who can. Welcome to the world of owning a coton - your dog thinks you are special because you chose him/her.
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