Our local Public Library has an extensive summer reading programme on offer to children in our city.
One delightful event is the chance to read to Koko, a beautiful and well-trained, 7 year old Retriever.
Koko is also a Pet Therapy dog and regularly visits the Rehabilitation wards in our local hospital with her owner.
I was keen to go along and observe such a special occasion. Dogs are incredibly good listeners and Koko was right in tune with the youngsters who sat near her and read books to her.
Apparently dogs are used in some primary schools to encourage reluctant readers to practice their reading skills with a gentle, non-judgemental, no-fail audience.
Koko’s owner was happy to share lots of information about Koko and her breed and to demonstrate how well trained Koko is.
Koko will be back for more Buddy reading next week.
ordinarygoodness 
What a wonderful idea! Maybe more pets would like to be read to.
It worked beautifully today. So much learning and sharing happened in the time I was there with my two grandchildren. Koko enjoyed all the attention. Who knows what pets might soak up from a good book being read to them.
What a lovely experience for everyone. At Brisbane airport yesterday I was intrigued to see a door labelled as a guide dog respite room. Thought that was great. Perhaps they could include dog readers in there as well! It would calm down many a fraught parent travelling with fraught children. 🙂
Doggy Buddy reading seemed like such a useful idea to be shared widely. Koko was incredibly well trained and oh so placid. Key attributes in this role and environment.
I hope your trip to Brisbane was a planned one and you have enjoyed time with your people there.
It was a last minute plan for me and my siblings to spend Christmas with our parents in Cairns. Worked out quite well. My parents were actually in better shape than when I went over in Sept/Oct.
This is very good news:-))
What a lovely idea! And a very happy looking dog!
I agree and Koko was a delight.