Read to a Dog
Pima County Public Library invites you to come read to a dog.
Reading out loud improves reading skills. Animals are ideal reading companions because they create a relaxed, comfortable, and safe environment.
When can my child Read to a Dog?
| Location | Date |
|---|---|
| Eckstrom-Columbus | Wednesdays, 2-3pm |
| Flowing Wells | Wednesdays, 4-5pm |
| Himmel Park | Homer, Wednesdays, 4-5pm |
| Joel D Valdez Main | Click for dates and times |
| Kirk-Bear Canyon | Mondays, 6-7pm |
| Miller-Golf Links | Tuesdays, 4-5pm |
| Nanini | Click for days and times. |
| Oro Valley | Click for dates & times. |
| Sam Lena-South Tucson | Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30pm |
| Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5-6pm |
| Woods Memorial | Maisie or Filo, Wednesdays, 4-5pm Roxie & Emily, Thursdays, 3-4:30pm |
How does Read to a Dog work?
Children come to library during Read to a Dog and select a book to read to a furry friend. All of the dogs and handlers who participate have been certified as therapy dogs by an accredited organization.
Find information and the application here to volunteer with Read to a Dog.
Why should my child Read to a Dog?
This program is designed to allow kids the chance to read to a non-judgmental listener, one who will accept the story exactly as they read it.
For many children, this allows them a rare chance to experience stress free reading. Once they are in this situation, children find themselves relaxing and having fun while reading! They come to think of themselves as good readers, which helps their self esteem and makes them eager to read. And eager readers practice their reading more often, leading to improved reading skill.
All of these elements work together to increase a child's motivation to read, which is an essential element in becoming a successful reader.
Read more about our Read to a Dog program in the Tucson Citizen.
Meet the Dogs
- Ginger
- Dusenberry-River Branch Library
- Ginger has been certified as a therapy dog by Therapy Dog International. She was adopted from the wonderful organization: Arizona Retriever Rescue. She loves to play, run every morning and be around people all the time. She lives with her brother Marci an orange tabby cat and with her sister a gold fish. She is a good listener and has a wonderful personality.
- Harley
- Dusenberry-River Branch Library
- Harley has received certification as a therapy dog from Therapy Dogs International. Harley was adopted from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in 2008. She is a Labrador / Rhodesian ridgeback mix and is a very active dog. She loves to play with other dogs, and loves to run and chase rabbits. Even though she likes to run and play outdoors Harley has a very sweet personality and is a good listener. Her favorite book is Spot Loves School.
- Hooch
- Dusenberry-River Branch Library
- Hooch is a black Rottweiler. He turned seven in August 2010. Hooch volunteers with Gabriel's Angels and he has been certified by the Delta Society. He and his handler, Danny, visit Dusenberry-River Branch Library in the hopes that kids will read their favorite books to him.
- BB
- Flowing Wells Branch Library
- Meet BB, a beautiful and gentle yellow labrador retriever, who will visit our library each week and listen as children take turns reading to her. BB is a gentle, yellow labrador retriever who loves to give kisses, shake hands and speaks English and Spanish.
- Boomerang
- Himmel Park Branch Library
- Boomerang, aka "Boomer," comes to the Himmel Park Branch Library with his handlers, Charlene Peters and Marty Jansen to listen to stories.
- Lexi
- Joel D. Valdez Main Library
- Who needs cows! Lexi the cattle dog would love kids to read to her. She is bored out of her mind. Save Lexi with a good book and a good cuddle.
- Show Me
- Joyner-Green Valley Branch Library
- Show Me came into our lives at three months old. He helped his owner, Milt Harris, recover from a stroke by visiting him in the nursing home in California. After Milt recovered, he and his wife Marilyn moved to Green Valley. Marilyn started to train Show Me to become a special Visiting Dog for the Animal League of Green Valley. Show Me passed his a Canine Good Citizen Test and is now part of the Animal League of Green Valley Pet Visitation Program. He visits nursing homes and is now meeting new friends at the Green Valley Library. He loves to listen to stories and look at the pictures in books!
- Peanut
- Joyner-Green Valley Branch Library
- Our oldest daughter called us in January 2006 and said she had bought an Imperial Shih Tzu for us. We had a month to get used to the idea and decide on a name. We picked up Peanut on Valentines Day after our daughters wedding. He was a little 2 pound white ball of fur. He slept on my lap all the way home during the 6 hour drive to central Illinois. The first month was hard since we had never trained an inside dog before, especially in 3 feet of snow! But he quickly stole our hearts and has become our priceless furry child. He loves everyone he meets, and we love to share him with the children at the Green Valley Library where he enjoys listening to stories.
- Sadie
- Kirk-Bear Canyon Branch Library
- Sadie is a friendly and happy dog who loves to be read to by children. She is a Golden Retriever and Black Labrador mix. Sadie has been a therapy dog for three years. Sadie loves to eat all kinds of fruits and vegetables and will often have a snack of these healthy foods in between being read to by the children. Sadie's birthday is in September so be sure to come in and wish her a happy birthday.
- Chip
- Kirk-Bear Canyon Branch Library
- Chip is a black and white Portuguese water dog. Chip is a grown-up dog and has been a therapy dog for several years now. Chip loves to swim and has a little sister named Ana. Chip's owner is Peggy Perkins and they look forward to having stories read to them.
- Kramer
- Kirk-Bear Canyon Branch Library
- Kramer is a beagle who likes to chase lizards and prairie dogs. He was born in 2006. He also likes to play with his brother "Pilot" and visit children at TMC.
- Aiden
- Kirk-Bear Canyon Branch Library
- Meet Aiden! He's a black lab. He's been a therapy dog for three years and belongs to a doggie drill team. Aiden also marches in parades and does some tricks. Aiden really loves having books about parades read to him.
- Obi Bean
- Kirk-Bear Canyon Branch Library
- Obi Bean is a miniature dachshund (weiner dog). He was rescued by the Sahuaro Dachshund Rescue and adopted by his family in 2010. He is one of three weiner dogs at his home. Obi Bean has two sisters named Jelly Bean and Vanilla Bean. Obi loves to go for walks and to run in the grass. His favorite food is scrambled eggs. His favorite trick is covering himself up with a blanket without any help.
- Wully
- Kirk-Bear Canyon Branch Library
- Wully is a Miniature American Shepherd. This breed of dog is known for his calmness, intelligence and keen intuition. Wully was born on September 16, 2000. Wully has received the following titles: Canine Good Citizen and Excellent Agility Dog. He loves to play tricks such as roll over, wave, jump, nap, and bow. His favorite activity is finding hidden toys.
- Terren, "Mr. T"
- Miller-Golf Links Branch Library
- Mister T is a fully certified service animal from Canine Companions for Independence in Oceanside, CA. He is trained as a facility dog which means he can go into schools and hospitals. Mr. T also goes to preschool everyday in the Vail School District to help young learners with their speech and language.
Mr. T loves listening to stories and looking at pictures while children of all ages read to him. He really loves to have his belly scratched at the same time. He is everyone's favorite helper dog. In fact, he is the main character in a book called Four Paws Down, published in April 2009. Come read to Mr. T, or just give him some scratches and earn a sticker with his picture on it. - Jesse
- Miller-Golf Links Branch Library
- Jesse is a Labrador Retriever who is a certified Therapy Dog, her handler is Barbara Taylor. Jesse is has also passed the Good Citizens Test in 2007 and is listed in the AKC archives.
- Keiko
- Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library
- Keiko (pronounced cake-oh) is a unique dog of unknown mixture who was rescued from the streets of Tucson by her handler, Carol. Keiko's most distinctive feature is her ears, which stick straight out to the sides and have curls on the ends!
- Mina
- Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library
- Mina, (short for Stamina), a Pug, rolls over and plays 'dead' at the 'bang' of a finger! Her name is short for "Stamina of October." Mina and her handler, Naomi, love to give a big 'high five' to kids who read to them!
- Pumpkin
- Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library
- Pumpkin, a Papillion whose handler is also Naomi, is energetic and friendly, and loves to reward readers with the opportunity to scratch her belly!
- Ms. T
- Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library
- Ms. T, a Labrador/Great Dane mix, is a BIG (95 lbs.), lovable dog who enjoys belly scratches while being read to. Read to a Dog at Murphy-Wilmot is a favorite activity of Ms. T, and also her handler, Kathy.
- Lexi
- Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library
- Lexi, a Rottweiler mix whose handler is also Kathy, is a water lover, and doesn't miss an opportunity to play in big, wet puddles. She also loves to reward readers with big, wet kisses!
- Roxy
- Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library
- Roxy, a Welsh Terrier, spends her time between the Old Pueblo (Tucson) and the Big Apple (New York). Books about city life and skyscrapers can make Roxy and her handler, Sybil, very nostalgic!
- Lucy
- Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library
- Lucy, a Golden Retriever, is quite a water dog. She and her handler, Dina, love to have races in the swimming pool - and Lucy usually wins! Lucy also enjoys when you give her a pat and then read her a story.
- Chi Chi
- Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library
- Chi Chi, a mixed breed Spaniel, was rescued from the streets by her companion, Karen. In addition to the library, they visit hospitals, where Chi Chi shares her happiness with lots of kisses and wiggles!
- Sandy
- Nanini Branch Library
- Sandy is a beautiful golden retriever owned by Pat Jones.
She was adopted 11 years ago, at age one, through Rescue a Golden and since then has participated in RAG events where she enjoys meeting other people and dogs. She recently completed training in the Humane Society's Pet VIP program and now visits nursing homes and participates in the Read to a Dog program at the Nanini Library. Sandy enjoys long walks with her owners, chasing rabbits and lizards, chewing on socks, and hiking in the mountains. She spends summers in New Mexico where it is cooler, but is always happy to return to Tucson. Sandy also likes to hang out with her "brother", Jackson, who was adopted through RAG in December, 2009. - Misty
- Nanini Branch Library
- Misty is a standard poodle and a registered therapy dog with the Delta Society. Her birthday is June 20, 2001. At home she loves to run through her tunnel, chase lizards and take naps. But when she's out and about she's eager to meet new people, especially kids. Misty and her handler, Marianne, will be happy to meet you at the Nanini Branch Library. Misty loves listening to stories and she can understand both English and Spanish. You can follow Misty on her blog.
- Jackson
- Nanini Branch Library
- My name is Jackson and I'm a Boxer who was born in 2006. I'm a graduate of the VIP Program with the Southern Arizona Humane Society. I've traveled to 15 states so far, and during my travels he have been in a mine shaft, crossed a mountain pass at 14,000 feet and chased frogs in ponds all over California and Oregon. I love meeting people and listening to stories about lizards and bunnies. (I chase them but never seem to catch any.) See you soon at the Nanini Library!
- Travis
- Oro Valley Public Library
- Travis is a lovable golden retriever who is gentle and a very good listener. He snuggles with you while you read a story and begs for more!
- Spirit
- Oro Valley Public Library
- Spirit is just like her name: she is eager to listen while you read and loves to interact with you when you are finished reading.
- Daisy May
- Oro Valley Public Library
- Daisy May is a small dog who is encourages you while you read to her. She is a polite, quiet listener, too.
- Lady
- Oro Valley Public Library
- Lady is a beautiful Sheltie who will make you want to keep reading and reading! She loves to hear gentle stories and listen to your voice as you read aloud.
- Hooch
- Quincie Douglas Branch Library
- Hooch is a six-year-old Rottweiler. He volunteers with Gabriel's Angels, and Read to a Dog. He attended 2 years of Handi Dog school. He likes playing ball, playing with his toys, and working for his handler Danny as a service dog. Hooch enjoys it very much when kids at the Quincie Douglas Branch Library take the time to read to him.
- Cutter
- Sam Lena South Tucson Branch Library
- Cutter is a retired racing greyhound who now enjoys long walks, laying on his dirt pile, napping, hugs, and pets. He loves being read to, especially books about the Jurassic period, partial differential equations, and siestas. An avid listener in both English and Spanish, he is quickly learning to understand and enjoy stories read in Flemish and Icelandic. As a news house, he loves to hear what's going on around the neighborhood. Cutter received his certification as a therapy dog after study at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
- Terren, "Mr. T"
- Wheeler Taft Abbett, Sr. Branch Library
- Mister T is a fully certified service animal from Canine Companions for Independence in Oceanside, CA. He is trained as a facility dog which means he can go into schools and hospitals. Mr. T also goes to preschool everyday in the Vail School District to help young learners with their speech and language.
Mr. T loves listening to stories and looking at pictures while children of all ages read to him. He really loves to have his belly scratched at the same time. He is everyone's favorite helper dog. In fact, he is the main character in a book called Four Paws Down, published in April 2009. Come read to Mr. T, or just give him some scratches and earn a sticker with his picture on it. - Prancer
- Wheeler Taft Abbett, Sr. Branch Library
- Prancer always enjoys listening to children read. She also loves it when they show her pictures and make up their own stories. She is a very calm and attentive Chihuahua mix. She was adopted from Save a Chihuahua Rescue of Tucson by her handler, Carol. She's an AKC Canine Good Citizen and is a therapy dog tested and certified by Therapy Dogs, Inc. She visits residents in assisted living and now does library duty too! She likes to show off her obedience and agility skills by jumping through hoops and bounding over Chihuahua-sized jumps.
- Roxie
- Woods Memorial Branch Library
- Roxie is a golden retriever who came to her handler, Susan Finkenberg, from Rescue a Golden of Arizona. She just loves everyone and is a natural therapy dog. She went through the Delta program and now works at three sites, bringing love and adoration to eveyone she meets. She works at The Springboard with Gabriel's Angels and spends her Tuesday afternoons at the children's clinics at Square and Compass. In addition, Roxie is a Canine Blood Donor and an Ambassadog for Rescue a Golden.
How to get a dog/handler team certified for Read to a Dog
All dogs and their handlers who volunteer for the library's Read to a Dog program must be certified therapy dogs.
Three organizations that provide this certification are:
- Therapy Dogs International
- Delta Society
- Humane Society of Southern Arizona sometimes offers Pet VIP programs. Call the Companions for Life Center at 795.6225
- Therapy Dogs, Inc.
Each of these organizations offers certification only a few times a year. Check the websites to see when and where in Arizona the next certification will be. The websites also list all the commands the dog must be able to do. A therapy dog is a really well behaved dog, not a specially trained service animal. The dogs must also be calm and people focused.