R.E.A.D. Dogs Minnesota

For the second year in a row the students and parents of Zachary Lane Elementary School celebrated World Book Night at a special R.E.A.D. event. 

It was a great way for students to practice their reading and share a book with an eager listener while being supported by a reading mentor.  The fun of a R.E.A.D. session was tied in with the goal of giving parents an opportunity to read a book and set the example of recreational reading for their children.

We had 62 children R.E.A.D. with the dogs and the rabbit.  There were over 120 people in attendance.  We gave away 80 books from World Book Night and 74 children's books.

The program had coverage from Channel 12 and from the Sun Post.

A big thank you to the following volunteers for helping make the event so memorable!

Mary & Reggie (pictured above)               Linda & Murphy (in the video)
Connie & Molly (in the Sun Post)              Carol & Honey (the bunny)
Dianne & Haylee                                       Louise & Fury (in the video)
Susan & Polly                                           Christine & Rupert
Nancy & Franklin                                       Anna, Jenny, & Julie

To see additional pictures see the school's web page or Facebook page.

The girls in Brownie Troop 55125 based in Woodbury were looking for an organization to for with their Take Action Project.  They like dogs, they are kids, so R.E.A.D. Minnesota was a wonderful fit for them!

The girls and their two co-leaders, Jenny Britten and Amy McKenna, were very generous in their time and thoughtfulness for R.E.A.D.  They donated many new books, many pre-read books, and blankets.  All of the items will be much appreciated by the young readers and the R.E.A.D. volunteers.

Thanks, Brownies, for a job well done!

Here is the picture from the April troop meeting when the girls had a chance to read with R.E.A.D. dog Franklin.

We enjoyed another fun event at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum today for their spring All About Dogs Day.  The day started out rather chilly but we were all delighted that the rain held off until the very end of the event.  It was a great day with the walkers and vendors enjoying the Arboretum.

R.E.A.D. Minnesota had an information booth there.  We had four teams graciously sharing information and their experiences with the people and their dogs.  A BIG thank you the following R.E.A.D. teams!

• Jennifer & Willow
• Connie & Molly
• Norm & Oliver
• Sherry & Jack

Note Jennifer & Connie featured in this clip walking their canine partners in this clip that was shown on WCCO's 10pm news. 


Save the date for the fall Dog Day at the Arboretum:
Saturday, November 2nd!

Intermountain Therapy Animals released an exciting new educational video series this week.  These are presentations from experienced Reading Education Assistance Dog teams with ideas to help both existing and new R.E.A.D. teams. 

The initial set of videos released these week are designed to help R.E.A.D. teams become even better at helping the reader, supporting their animal partner, and documenting the results of the program.

Click here to view the videos.

The Reading Teacher is a magazine of the International Reading Association. In this month's issue is an article by a R.E.A.D. team, Danita Shaw.  She is an associate professor at the University of Kansas.  It's great to see an article about what we do going to over 60,000 literacy professionals.

Click here to read the article.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Reading is arguably one of the most important lessons learned in school, but literacy can be a challenge for some students.

The classroom can be intimidating for kids who struggle.

The Hennepin County Library System is teaming up with North Star Therapy Animals to change that with a program meant to give kids confidence when they open a book.


Click here for the video and the whole story.

Jennifer Hicks and Willow, her Golden Retriever, were recognized in an award ceremony for their help with young readers at Minnewashta Elementary School. 

Watch the video below to see Jen & Willow in action.

The Minnetonka School District Spinnaker Award is presented annually to individuals or groups who exemplify volunteerism, community and serving the greater good. Like the spinnaker on a sailboat, the groups or individuals recognized with this award are out in front, full-sail, leading us toward the fulfillment of our dreams. These individuals are powered by the winds of passion, hope, confidence, and inspiration. Honorees may be individual volunteers, financial contributors, volunteer project or event groups, business partners.

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Cookie lays calmly next to her owner on a blanket in the corner of a busy student support room at Willow Lane Elementary.

Students come one-by-one for 20-minute reading sessions with the 11-year old rescue dog and her owner, Lynda Edmundson, a retired grade school teacher.

“They settle in and immediately start reading,” said teacher Emily Gallatin. “It is so fun to see them motivated. They just get so excited to show Cookie what they know.”

Click here to read the rest of the article.