A young Douglas County Public Library patron reads to Charley the Dog on Nov. 10 as part of the READing Paws program.
Robin L. Sarantos | Special to The R-C
On Nov.10, volunteer and retiree Pamela Sauer brought her tiny, lovable doggy, Charley, to meet with youngsters at our wonderful, interactive public library in Minden, which offers many interesting and intellectual activities for all ages.
It brings the community together. Thursdays are reserved for the little ones who delight in reading to dogs around 3:30 p.m. Our library is a favorite place for children to congregate.
Charley is well trained and sits as if he is of royal background. He is an extraordinary listener and has awards to prove his various abilities from sniffing different odors like sweet cinnamon to listening with quiet interest as children take turns reading to him under the guidance of a trained READing Paws volunteer. He is well qualified as a registered therapy canine and privileged with a mission to encourage a love in reading in children. It is as if tiny Charlie is soaking in every word as each child delivers orally a special, chosen book — an adventure — to this lovable, tiny creature.
His human mama “Miss Pamela” sits nearby. You can see how very proud she is of her little companion.
The children are especially pleased that Charley enjoys their reading, and they reach over and give the attentive little critter a soft pat or two along with an endearing smile.
It gives the youngsters a sense of accomplishment.
It allows them to realize how important the written word is. Libraries do that for all of us.
If you would like to become part of the special READing Paws mission, check out mochi.readingpaws@gmail.com for more information on Reading, Education, Assistance Dogs… What a great investment in our future generations - the leaders of our country.
