R.E.A.D. Dogs Minnesota

The R.E.A.D. Dogs program at Zachary Lane Elementary School in Plymouth was featured on last night's and this morning's news shows in KSTP!

Check out the link here.  http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3562014.shtml

Or check our Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/READdogsMN

During the NBA's Read to Achieve campaign this March, the Minnesota Timberwolves recognized community volunteers helping to improve young readers' literacy skills. On Friday, March 28th they featured the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.). Ann & Midnight and Mary & Reggies were two teams that were thrilled to accept the recognition on behalf of all the R.E.A.D. teams in Minnesota. After their time on court the dogs and 12 other R.E.A.D. teams enjoyed the game in their own suite. Life is a ball!

See the video of the presentation and the certificate below.

Read more about this story on the Timberwolves' web site:
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/heroes-making-reading-education-assistance-dogs.

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.

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.