Owensboro iMiddle added a brand-new staff member to their roster this week.  Charlie a R.E.A.D. therapy dog will be strolling the halls and visiting classrooms on a regular basis.

According to Jared Revlett, OPS Public Information Officer:

Charlie, a Doberman Pinscher therapy dog at the Owensboro Innovation Middle School, has been certified as a R.E.A.D. Assistance Dog. The R.E.A.D Certification that is an addition to her certification with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.   The R.E.A.D program is Nationally and Internationally recognized program through Intermountain Therapy Animals. Charlie and his handler are the 4th team in the whole state of KY and Charlie is the first pure bred Doberman Pinscher in the program. Charlie is the only Doberman Pinscher certified by the program and only the fourth therapy dog certified in Kentucky. In addition to her duties as a therapy dog, Charlie will be used at iMiddle to work with students who struggle to read by providing comfort and easing anxiety when reading to help improve their reading fluency.

There are around 1300 active R.E.A.D. teams all over the U.S.  Kids get a visit from the therapy dog to their classroom.  They then get to pick out a book or even let the dog pick out a book and then they are able to sit down and read aloud to their captive audience.

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Many children struggle with reading.  Maintaining focus or just not grasping the concept can create frustration and embarrassment.  Some students even shut down and stop participating in their daily class activities.  These therapy dogs help children begin a love of reading by creating a non-judgmental environment where the kids feel safe and comfortable.

Not all children are comfortable around dogs.  Maybe they haven't had the chance to have or get to know dogs.  The R.E.A.D. allow the students to meet and become acclimated and assured around them.

Sutton Elementary School also has Luna a Goldendoodle who belongs to Mrs. Tines the guidance counselor.  She has been a blessing to my son Tucker in so many ways when he has struggled in school.  Luna is our dog Layla's sister so it gives him comfort when he can feel like he is close to home on a day where he is not feeling himself.

Owensboro iMiddle Adds R.E.A.D. Therapy Dog To Their Staff

Owensboro iMiddle added a brand-new staff member to their roster this week. Charlie a R.E.A.D. therapy dog will be strolling the halls and visiting classrooms on a regular basis.

 

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