For Some Kids, Dogs Make the Best Reading Buddies

Paws for Tales is an offshoot of the Peninsula Humane Society's Pet Assisted Therapy Program. Volunteers visit local libraries and invite children to select books to read to dogs.

Pictured here are a few PHS volunteers and their dogs who meet monthly at the Belmont Library.

According to library staff, children can improve their reading skills by reading to a trained therapy dog. Studies show children who are reluctant to read in front of peers are much less anxious with an animal present. Children don't perceive animals to be judgmental; mere animal presence helps them become more confident readers.

For more information on the San Mateo County Library reading programs, go to http://www.smcl.org/en.

For more information on PHS's growing therapy program, contact Brian Probst at 650-340-7022 ext. 328 or bprobst@PHS-SPCA.org.