Dogs begin new chapter

Faith and Spottie are regulars at the Albany Public Library.

The cute pooches pop in once a month for the Paws for Reading program, which aims to boost children’s confidence reading out loud.

Youth Services librarian Dora Adeline said the program was an opportunity to help children who were struggling with reading.

“Reading with dogs provides a sense of enjoyment that can transfer to their usually difficult reading experience,” she said.

“Dogs are great listeners.

“They don’t judge and they can reduce the stress and anxiety some children experience with reading.”

Ms Adeline said it was like magic watching the children read with the dogs, gaining confidence with each page.

“It’s amazing the way the kids are interacting with the dogs while they are reading,” she said.

“They just look a lot more relaxed.

“It brings a level of enjoyment and it feels quite magical seeing that stress and anxiety just disappear as they focus on the reading. That’s the important thing.”

The program was introduced last month and will run once a month. Bookings are essential.

Spottie and Faith are from Mt Barker Dogs Boarding Kennel.