Reading Education Assistance Dogs is an idea that is so logical and so "commonsensical" that, once everyone hears it they wonder why it hasn't been done for years.

The R.E.A.D. Program demonstrates that therapy animals can be instrumental in improving the literacy skills of children in an effective, unique and, most importantly, fun manner. Literacy specialists acknowledge that children who are below their peers in reading skills are often intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem, and view reading as a chore.

Research with therapy animals indicates that children with low self-esteem are often more willing to interact with an animal than with another person. They focus better on an activity or discussion when an animal is present, and refer back to the sessions many times in later conversation. Further, during such interaction they are inclined to forget about their limitations. There are also physiological benefits to interacting with animals, including increased relaxation and lower blood pressure. The premise of the R.E.A.D. program is that children will find reading to an animal less intimidating, a special time for them that is helpful and fun and will become a positive environment in which learning is facilitated.

A MOTHER'S DAY STORY; BENJI AND SNOWSTAR
A Treasure Coast poodle has a new "leash" on life after surviving a kidney transplant.
Associated Press, March, 2002

Benji, just 6 months old, received the kidney from his mother, Snowstar. The procedure is one of only a few dozen performed on dogs in the United States -- and the first ever in Florida. Doctors removed Benji's stitches on Tuesday. The operation for both dogs cost more than $4,000, but Benji's adoptive parents said it was well worth it.

The surgery was performed by veterinarians at the University of Florida.