Sniffing out a good read
Zoe the standard poodle has an important job to do.
Her new assignment is helping children gain confidence in their reading skills at the Fort Myers Beach Public Library.
As the new therapy dog for the library’s beloved Dog Days, Zoe and her owner, Lillian Newman, will spend one day a month at the library buried in books. Small groups of children who are struggling to master the skill of reading will get to spend an hour with Zoe curled up by their sides as they read to her.
Leroy Hommerding, the library’s director, said he’s been pleaded with by residents to get the dog day back at the library after the old therapy dog retired and then died.
“It took a little bit to locate a new one,” he said.
But Zoe, a 4-year-old, is a gorgeous girl who’s up to the task.
Therapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes. A good reading dog needs to be affectionate and quiet while children read to them.
Hommerding said he’s seen literacy miracles occur due to the presence of a dog.
For children who become anxious about reading, for reasons ranging from disabilities to speech impediments or just social anxiety from their peers, dogs offer a non-judgmental practice session – Zoe isn’t going to snicker or tease them when they stutter or mispronounce a word.
“The child is focusing on the dog, they’re not realizing they’re reading,” he said. “But they’re experiencing emotionally, physically, spiritually what reading means.”
The handler, who might be nearby, can offer gentle encouragements without causing additional stress.
Newman is a former beach resident and former librarian who now lives in Fort Myers. Her husband, Larry, has a guide dog. The two have been taking their dogs around to schools and nursing homes for years. Fort Myers resident Mary Ann Ritter, a local therapy dog tester with Therapy Dogs, Inc., knew the library was looking for another dog and recommended the job for Zoe.
Zoe is Newman’s second poodle, and she’s been waiting for her to get old enough to be a calming presence for kids. She was more energetic when she was a puppy, but Newman thinks her pup is ready now. Zoe completed all her therapy training and has her license.
“She’s a very loving dog – very sweet and listens very well,” she said.
Newman has numerous nieces and nephews as well as a 1-year-old grandson. When the children are at her home, Zoe is very protective, she said. She will always lay close to the kids and keep an eye on them and cuddle up.
“Some dogs just crave attention, and she’s one of them,” she said.
Dog Days will occur once a month at the library; the first day is Sept. 13, and it is already full. Families must preregister their children for the class. Hommerding likes to keep the class size small to make sure each child has enough time with Zoe and reduce anxiety about reading.
If he could find another therapy dog, Hommerding said he would schedule more Dog Days. Now, each class can only contain four or five students, but the need for more therapy sessions is there, he said.
“Their attitude toward reading starts to change. They think it can be fun,” he said. “The dog is warm and cuddly, and whatever need the child has they can offer.”
To register for future classes, call the library at 765-8162.