Not only is reading aloud to dogs fun, but it also has many benefits!
The Book Buddies Reading Program offers children opportunities to practice reading aloud to the Book Buddies therapy teams, each team consisting of a trained and registered therapy dog and their owner (also trained and registered) holding onto the end of a leash. Our Book Buddies are all ears! They enjoy good company and being read to. They don’t mind imperfection and will not point out mistakes. With the supportive companionship and patient ears of a therapy dog, each child is encouraged to read at their own pace while building fluency in a quiet reading space. The Book Buddies volunteers will only help when needed through difficult words or to maintain the flow of the story, rather than pointing out mistakes. We are not looking for perfection – and neither are the dogs!
By having a patient and attentive audience, young readers can feel motivated to share a book, be kept on task, and build confidence in their reading skills. Best of all, studies have shown that reading to an animal develops a lifelong interest in learning.
Help a child develop a love of reading by attending a Book Buddies reading program!
We encourage children 5 years and older to join us.
Book Buddies Reading Program Schedule
At City Dog Veterinary Clinic:
WHEN: Book Buddies Reading Program sessions take place every second Saturday of the month. The free 20-minute reading appointments start at 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 10:35 am, and 11:05 am.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Each reading appointment allows one child to read to one therapy dog at a time in a quiet reading room. Bring a favorite book, or pick a new one from our library! We kindly ask that parents, guardians, siblings, and friends remain in our waiting area while the reading sessions are in progress. Reserve a spot for a child by signing up! Drop-ins are welcome – but we cannot guarantee a spot.
ADDRESS: City Dog Veterinary Clinic, 1004 East Washington Street in Madison, Wisconsin
PARKING is available for free on nearby streets; parking in the garage below the building is available for a fee. (Walk up the ramp to access the outside. Don’t forget to bring your parking ticket with you so you can regain entry!)
SIGN UP by clicking on the button below, or by emailing [email protected], or calling/texting (608) 886-8849.
At the Goodman Community Center:
When: Weekly on Wednesdays from 10/16/2024 through 12/4/2024 from 4-5 pm.
The Book Buddies are participating in the Goodman Community Center’s START Literacy Initiative.
QUESTIONS? Email us at [email protected] or call/text at (608) 886-8849
CANCELLATIONS: In the event of severely inclement weather, the Book Buddies Reading Program may cancel. Please look for communication from us according to your communication preference. If you have reserved a reading session, we will send you a notice of cancellation by 3 pm the previous day. If nearby public schools and libraries have closed because of the weather, we will also cancel our reading program.
Guardian Whiskers takes great pride in our Book Buddies, high-quality, well-trained, registered, and insured volunteer therapy dog teams. Each therapy dog team is comprised of one registered therapy dog and their person.
Book Buddy therapy dogs are gentle, polite, and love people! The owner of the dog is always holding the other end of the leash and is trained and background checked to ensure the safety of everyone involved. All therapy dogs are up-to-date on required vaccinations and have reliable, sound temperaments.
The canine Book Buddies and their people must successfully complete Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Pet Partners testing/observation requirements and obtain a registry with the organizations.
We’re always looking for ways to continue our work in the community. Please reach out to us if you’re inspired by the healing bond people and humans share! Email us at [email protected] or call/text (608) 886-8849.
