By Derek Johnson
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
Visitors to the Crestline library on March 18 might have experienced an unexpected symphony of sounds drifting from the community room: the delightful chatter of children immersed in books, punctuated by the occasional joyful bark. What exactly was unfolding within those walls?
The answer lies in a collaboration between the Crestline library and Inland Empire Therapy Dogs – an event affectionately known as “Tails and Stories.”
Tails and Stories aims to create a nurturing environment where budding readers can hone their skills without fear of judgment. In a world where confidence in literacy is crucial, this event provides a unique opportunity for children to practice reading aloud to a most understanding and non-critical audience: dogs.
Kids read to their canine listeners.
The concept behind Tails and Stories is as simple as it is ingenious. Children, eager to explore the realms of storytelling, are paired with therapy dogs who patiently listen to their narratives with unwavering attention. The result? A harmonious blend of literary exploration and the therapeutic presence of our furry friends.
As children delve into the pages of their favorite tales, the therapy dogs serve as compassionate companions, offering unconditional support and encouragement. Their mere presence transforms the community room into a sanctuary of learning, where the fear of stumbling over words or mispronunciations dissipates in the warmth of canine companionship.
Inland Empire Therapy Dogs, renowned for their exceptional service in various settings, including airports and universities, brought a team of specially trained dogs to the Crestline library. These gentle canines, equipped with a remarkable ability to connect with humans on an emotional level, effortlessly captivated the hearts of both children and adults alike.
One of the dog handlers shared, “We participated in a recent experimental program with a college down the hill – we had the dogs on campus during finals week, and researchers found a statistically significant bump in scores as a result!” It’s clear that the benefits of therapy dogs are manifold.
The success of Tails and Stories lies not only in its ability to promote literacy but also in its capacity to foster empathy and compassion in young readers. By interacting with therapy dogs, children learn valuable lessons in empathy, understanding and respect for animals – lessons that extend far beyond the confines of the library walls.
“I loved reading to Bette,” said one girl of her favorite dog, a Siberian Husky named after Bette Davis.
A reader shows off her trading cards
Adding to the charm of the event was a special touch – dog trading cards handed out by each handler. These cards featured a snapshot of the dog, along with a brief bio of the dog and its handler. Kids were thrilled to take home these trading cards and stickers as mementos for each dog they read to.
The Crestline library is delighted to announce that Tails and Stories will be a recurring event, offering the community a chance to experience the joy of reading alongside these therapy dogs on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to mark their calendars and join for future installments of this heartwarming initiative.
For those interested in learning more about Tails and Stories or wishing to participate in upcoming events, check the Crestline library calendar.
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