Pets For Life Inc

The reading education assistance dogs (r.e.a.d) program improves children's reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog. R.e.a.d. Dogs registered therapy animals certified through pets for life who receive additoinal training and certification for this program. The volunteer teams go to schools and libraries as reading companions for children. When a r.e.a.d dog is listening, the environment is transformed, a child's dread is replaced by eager anticipation, and learning occurs. Participating kids make enormous strides in reading and communication skills while building self-esteem, confidence and social skills. Performance in other subjects tends to improve, as does attendance and even personal hygiene. Reach out and read -- our volunteers and their dogs visit the cabot westside clinic twice a month and interact with children in the waiting room. The children listen or read to the dogs as they await their turn to vist the medical staff.