Readers of the Pack creates special bonds
Shayla Rose Brown, 8, right, reads to Yvonne Morones, left, with Paws for Reading with the help of chihuahuas Bambi, right, Alvin, center, at the Sebastopol Regional Library on Mar. 2, 2011. (Christopher Chung / PD)
By JOELLE BURNETTE
ROHNERT PARK CORRESPONDENT
Cody may not know why youngsters line up to see him at the public library in Rohnert Park, but every other Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. this golden retriever becomes their sounding board and object of affection.
One recent day 6-year-old Eloise Urbanski she read him a special book. “I Can Do It All” is about a boy who goes to the library and realizes that books let him pretend to be anything he wants.
With Cody spread out on a blanket at her feet, the Monte Vista Elementary kindergartner had a few minutes to pretend that he was her best friend.
“I like it a really lot,” Eloise said. “It’s nice reading to dogs.”
Her mother echoed the sentiment. “She loves this, and it’s really good for her,” said Lisa Urbanski.
The scene is repeated throughout Sonoma County libraries each week as children and pets come together for “Readers of the Pack.”
In addition to the benefits of bonding, children earn a sticker on their registration cards for each book they read. Once they earn enough stickers, they get a free book.
On this day, after signing in and waiting patiently for his turn, 4-year-old Ryan Hansen finally got his chance with Cody.
“He gets to read to a dog, and he’s excited about that,” said his mom, Denise Hansen.
As a substitute teacher, she knows that reading out loud in a friendly setting allows children to learn new words, build reading comprehension and develop problem-solving skills.
“I’m very impressed by the program,” said Melissa Jarrell from Rohnert Park. She home schools her 9-year-old son, Tate, and said reading to the dogs provides him with a positive connection to animals. Moreover, she said, it boosts her son’s self-esteem.
Nate Rocheleau, 7, reads to Alvin, a chihuahua with the Paws for Reading program, at the Sebastopol Regional Library on Wednesday, March 2, 2011.
On the flip side, Cody “thinks it’s grand getting all kinds of love from everybody,” said his owner, Leslie Heckathorn.
Heckathorn sits with the children, reads along with them and helps them through difficult words. Cody has been trained to visit hospitals and retirement community in addition to reading with children at libraries.
“Cody loves it. I love it,” said Heckathorn, who is a dog trainer. “It’s like he was born to do this.”
For more information about the program at Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, 6250 Lynne Conde Way, call 584-9121.
For information about Readers of the Pack programs at other Sonoma County libraries, go to www.sonomalibrary.org and click on the calendar of events link.
Yvonne Morones, left, with Paws for Reading, holds a book up as Samantha Bowman, 7, reads to chihuahuas Alvin and Bambi at the Sebastopol Regional Library on Wednesday, March 2, 2011.
Alvin, center, gets a pat on the head from Shayla Rose-Brown, 8, while she reads to him and his daughter, Bambi, at the Sebastopol Regional Library on Wednesday, March 2, 2011.
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I think this is the most wonderful program! I am so very happy for those children who get to improve their reading skills with such loving and supporting puppy dogs listening to their every word! What a truly exceptional idea! Best wishes to all the children and the best of everything to this delightful program!
Your adorable canine friends are the most loving of little creatures. You just can’t help but want to snuggle with them. I’m so glad you take the time to visit with our seniors at the Sebastopol Social Club. Great therapy! Thank you Yvonne.
Great therapy for a rainy Sunday to sit down and read about this adorable program! LOVE the new “TOWN” section in the PD.