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
Dusenberry-River	Fridays, 3:30-4:30pm
Himmel Park	Homer, Wednesdays, 4-5pm
Joel D Valdez Main	Saturdays, 11:30am-12:30pm
Kirk-Bear Canyon	Mondays, 6-7pm
Murphy-Wilmot	Wednesdays, 2:30-3:30pm
Oro Valley	Click for days and times
Valencia	Wednesdays, 4-5pm
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.

Children Learn to Read, with Dogs as Captive Audience by Fernanda Echavarri.
Arizona Public Media tells the story of Read to a Dog.

Meet the Dogs

Maddie: Dusenberry-River Branch Library

Maddie, born in 2005, is a wire fox terrier and poodle mix. She loves to play catch and swim. Her favorite outside activity is coming to the library for the kids to read to her. When they are done reading she likes to roll over onto her back for a tummy rub.
Molly: Dusenberry-River Branch Library

Molly is a sweet girl who loves going on walks, playing with dog friends and generally being rambunctious. When she is ready to settle down, she loves to curl up to a good book (of course, she needs someone read it to her).
Remo: Dusenberry-River Branch Library

Remo loves hearing stories read by children. He likes to get very comfortable and sometimes even closes his eyes while he listens to the story. Reading time at the library is a favorite time for 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.
Homer: Himmel Park Branch Library

Homer is a rescue from Pima Animal Care Center. He was born in 2005. He is certified as a therapy dog through the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Homer loves people, especially children. He loves to listen to the children read while lying on his back. His heritage is questionable but once you meet him you will never forget him. Come meet Homer at the Himmel Park Library.
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.
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.
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.
Chi Chi: Miller-Golf Links Branch Library

Chi Chi, a mixed breed Spaniel, was rescued from the streets by her companion, Karen. You can also read to Chi Chi at the Murphy-Wilmot Library. In addition to the library, they visit hospitals, where Chi Chi shares her happiness with lots of kisses and wiggles!
Buddy: Mission Branch Library

Hello, My name is Buddy Mosley and I am a Golden Retriever. I enjoy being around people, especially kids. I currently work as a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs, Inc. where I have worked with hospice and the children's hospitals. I enjoy taking walks with my owner and the occasional visit to the local dog park. Feel free to pet me if we ever meet because I love hugs and kisses.
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!
Chi Chi: Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library

Chi Chi, a mixed breed Spaniel, was rescued from the streets by her companion, Karen. You can also read to Chi Chi at the Miller-Golf Links Library. In addition to the library, they visit hospitals, where Chi Chi shares her happiness with lots of kisses and wiggles!
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 I 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!
Dylan: Nanini Branch Library

Dylan is a Golden Doodle which is a Standard Poodle and Golden Retriever cross. He's an active guy who loves to hike, run, swim, and retrieve his toys. Dylan likes all people, but especially small people. He's a calm fun loving guy, and he likes other dogs too. Dylan was born in Colorado and flew back to Tucson with us when he was 8 weeks old.
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.
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 newshound, he loves to hear what's going on around the neighborhood, so please stop by the South Tucson library to read to him and share the latest neighborhood gossip. Cutter received his certification as a therapy dog after study at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
Bella: Santa Rosa Branch Library

After retiring from a grueling racing career, Bella has turned her down time into an opportunity to allow people to adore her up close, read books to her and pet her. When she’s not busy being the center of attention, Bella enjoys long walks near fast food restaurants, sleeping late and often, and just being cute. Like her brother Cutter, Bella is quite a newshound, so please drop by the Santa Rosa library to read to her and share the latest neighborhood gossip.
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.