Here’s a great opportunity for Lincoln, Nebraska residents! This summer, Healing Heart Therapy Dogs will be offering 15- and 20-minute drop-in sessions for children to read aloud to a dog. This is an opportunity for children ages 6 to 12 who have experienced reading difficulties or who just need to practice their reading. No preregistration is required. Sessions will be held at two branch locations:

Gere Branch Library
2400 S. 56th Street, 402-441-8560

• 10:30-12:00 noon on Tuesday mornings in June and July starting the week of June 4
• 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons – June 5, 19, July 10, 24, and August 7

Walt Branch Library (15-minute sessions)
6701 S. 14th Street, 402-441-4250

• 1:30-2:45 p.m. on Saturday afternoons – June 15, June 29 and July 27

I can personally attest to the positive effects this program has on children. Three years ago, The Boy went through an 8-week Read to a Dog program. There were no concerns over his reading ability, but I was hoping that being around the animals (and their handlers) and reading out loud would help to build his confidence. He was going through a very hard time at school and his self-esteem had taken some pretty hard blows. The Boy loved the dog he was assigned to and it turned out that the dog’s owner worked at our vet clinic, so he felt an added connection there, as well. Reading aloud for that extra 20 minutes a week at the library did make a difference for him – it elevated his mood, it made him feel good about himself, and it made him feel good about being around other people. And let’s not forget – our kids can never read too much! I highly, highly recommend getting your children involved in this program. Woof!