Special dogs can offer special therapy for  young ones who need a little extra help with reading.

In addition to visiting kids in hospital, OCSPCA therapy dogs are doing even more to help kids in Orange County. Like, cracking the books.

Dogs that have that special “something” have been chosen to work the Canine Literacy Project: an extension of the OCSPCA’s award-winning pet-assisted therapy program (PAWS, or “Pets Are Wonderful Support). The Canine Literacy Program was designed to reduce children’s anxieties of reading out loud.

Dogs that have that special “something” have been chosen to work on an extension of the OCSPCA’s award-winning pet-assisted therapy program (PAWS, or “Pets Are Wonderful Support) called the Canine Literacy Project – designed to help young students learn to read by reducing their anxieties of reading out loud or feeling judged or intimidated.

Right now you’re probably thinking, did I miss something? How does a dog help my child learn to read?

It works like this. Program therapy dogs come to the library, snuggle up with your child and listen as he or she reads out loud to them. The furry friend (and volunteer) offer a low-stress, non-judgmental, calm, accepting environment: a place where it is safe, fun and easy to read. Fido doesn’t interrupt every five seconds to tell the reader they are doing it wrong, and it allows the child to improve their reading skills and while keeping it light and fun. Plus young readers that take part are presented with a new book of their very own.

The best part of this program? It really works.

If you would like more information on how to have the OCSPCA’s Canine Literacy Project visit your child’s school, please contact them at ocspca@verizon.net or 714-374-7738.

If you would like to find out how you can support the Canine Literacy Project, please contact their website or 714-374-7738. They are always grateful for bookstore gift cards to help support the program.

And finally, if you have a passion to change lives and a dog with a calm temperament, you might consider investigating the PAWS site for more information on becoming a therapy volunteer with your dog. It can be greatly rewarding.

For more info:  Orange County SPCA P.O. Box 6507 | Huntington Beach CA 92615 | 714-374-7738
email: ocspca@verizon.net