Make no bones about it: Tail Waggin’ Tutors is a hit with kids and canines
By Michele Kisthardt | | 1 Comment »
If the furry little fellow has heard “Cat in the Hat” a hundred times, he doesn’t give a clue; nor does he mind if a word or two is skipped or mispronounced. Once a month, emerging readers cuddle up with therapy dogs and read books to their furry little friends at the Hudson Library & Historical Society.
Introduced as a part of the library’s Summer Reading Program, Elaine Portalupi, Head of Children’s and Young Adult Services, said the library elected to continue offering “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” because it was so well-received. Over 100 children participated in the summer program.
Last spring, Hudson High School senior Caitlin McErlean and her mother, Ellen McErlean, approached the library about bringing “Tail Waggin Tutors” to the library. The McErlean’s 6-year-old Labradoodle, Maggie, and all dogs who participate in the program, is certified by Therapy Dogs International. Last spring, Caitlin took Maggie to Laurel Lake to work with elderly residents. “We visited every Sunday and saw how Maggie made people relaxed and happy because she wooed them over with her personality,” says Caitlin.
Caitlin and Ellen were anxious to involve their dog in another outreach program. “Maggie just loves to come to the library! She gets excited when she puts her scarf on!” says Ellen, pointing to the bandana that certified therapy dogs must wear when they’re volunteering.
“Tail Waggin’ Tutors” is completely volunteer driven. Portalupi says the program runs with three dogs: Maggie, a Labradoodle; Shea, a Siberian husky; and Jackie, a golden retriever, and their handlers. Substitute dogs have included Patrick, a Shih Tzu, and Brooklyn, a terrier.
According to the Therapy Dog International Web site, the objective of “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” is to encourage children to read by providing a non-judgmental listener and furry friend to read to that won’t laugh at them if they make a mistake or stumble over a word. Children learn to associate reading with being with the dog, and begin to view reading in a positive way. Over time, the child’s reading ability and confidence can improve because they are practicing their skills.
Portalupi explains further, “Reading aloud to a dog is a very non-threatening exercise for children … It encourages reluctant or struggling readers who are reading below grade level or who don’t enjoy reading.”
Parents register children, typically ages 5-11, for a 15-minute session with a therapy dog. Reading takes place in three private rooms accessible from the Children’s Room and Teen Room. Children sit on the floor next to the dog and its handler. Children may bring their own books or pick out books at the library.
Hudson resident Mike Greenbaum accompanied his daughters, Sophia, 6, and Olivia, 4, as Sophia read to Patrick, a Shih Tzu. Sophia said she likes to read and chose an Amelia Bedelia book for the occasion. Patrick’s owner, Hudson Schools Gifted and Talented Instructor Cheryl Fulsom, says, though she is relatively new to the program, her experience has been “both fun and rewarding.”
“One of the funniest experiences I’ve had,” says Fulsom, “took place when a young couple brought in their 1-year-old little boy and attempted to read him a story. The baby and Patrick had a wonderful time together. I can’t say that either one of them was aware of a story being read.”
Portalupi says Barb Petruccio, language arts coordinator for the Hudson Schools, has helped the library by promoting “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” to the elementary teachers and reading specialists throughout the school district. Caitlin McErlean is lobbying to bring “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” directly to the schools. Fulsom would like to see that happen as well, noting, “The joy that comes from reading to a dog who is offering unconditional love and respect is wonderful to see … I would love for students to have the opportunity to enjoy these ‘Tail Waggin’ Tutors’ at school.”
Hudsonite Jeff Wells said he learned about “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” when he registered his daughters for another children’s program at the library. Lauren, 7, and Chloe, 9, both enjoy participating in the program. Lauren brought along a reading exercise about fall that she had gotten from school, while Chloe read “Dog Breath,” a book from home.
Portalupi says children often pick out books that they think dogs will enjoy. Author Sara Miller’s “Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog” series is popular, along with Cynthia Rylant’s “Henry and Mudge” series.
Dog handler Michelle Kosan, and her dog, Brooklyn, participate in “Tail Waggin’ Tutors.” Kosan says the program also benefits children who are uncomfortable around dogs. “I’ve witnessed children who initially were apprehensive of dogs and who left their visit with more positive feelings and understanding of dogs,” says Kosan.
Hudson resident and “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” participant Silas Yurak, 11, isn’t apprehensive about dogs or any other animal, for that matter. In fact, his mother, Johanna Yurak, says, “He has an affinity for animals. They love him as much as he loves them.”
When Johanna discovered the program during a library visit with her son, Charlie, she immediately decided to bring Silas, who is autistic and attends the Julie Billiart School in Lyndhurst. “Kids love animals, and if they’re reluctant readers, this program is great because it brings the focus to the animal,” says Johanna.
The program offers many benefits to the children who participate, but the handlers reap rewards as well. Caitlin McErlean says it best: “My favorite part of doing ‘Tail Waggin’ Tutors’ is working with Maggie. She is my best friend and brings so much joy in my life that I forget that she is even a dog.”
Tags: Hudson Library and Historical Society, Tail Waggin' Tutors
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One Response to “Make no bones about it: Tail Waggin’ Tutors is a hit with kids and canines”
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» Tail Waggin’ Tutors Says:
November 16th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
[...] favorite stories to therapy dogs, and Hudson Library is no exception. Hudson Monthly Magazine has a cover story on “Tail Waggins Tutors” this month. Check it out — it’s a wonderful program. From the story: The objective of [...]
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