CLERMONT, Fla. -- Cagan Crossings Community Library held an event for children that was both entertaining and educational. PAWS is where young ones can practice reading with licensed therapy dogs.
PAWS is a part of the Be an Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry, which is an all volunteer organization that utilizes trained dogs as a way of relaxation and therapy.
Dogs are taken to places such as hospitals, nursery homes, schools and libraries to get involved with people. Every dog must pass various tests in order to become licensed and eligible to interact with others.
Amy Schulz, the owner of a chocolate lab named Sabrina, has been a volunteer worker with PAWS for a year. During the presentation, she mentioned that dogs are especially helpful with children who struggle to read.
“It helps children relax while they are reading in front of dogs as opposed to reading in front of people,” said Schulz. She also said that it makes “children less afraid to make mistakes while reading.”
George Smith, a parent, enjoys taking his daughter to read with the dogs from PAWS. “My daughter loves dogs and loves to read, this is a great way for her to enjoy both at the same time.”
Another parent, Judith Bowles, thinks that this is a great way to “enhance my daughter’s ability to read.” “This gives her a small boost in her confidence and makes reading more enjoyable,” said Bowles.
PAWS is an event held twice every month at the Cagan Crossings Community Library. For more information please go to www.mylakelibrary.org
