R.E.A.D.^®

R.E.A.D.^® is one of those ideas that "pierces the mundane to arrive at the marvelous".

Bill Moyers
Journalist, PBS

The Reading Education Assistance Dogs^® (R.E.A.D.) program improves children's reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog. But not just any dog.

R.E.A.D. dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handler as a team, going to schools and libraries as reading companions for children. It isn't unusual to see a child lying on her back with her head resting on a dog, a book propped up in one hand and the other hand stroking the dog's ears while they read together. An experienced mentor is at hand to guide the child through the reading process, as needed, with the help of their dog. While dogs may not be able to read, they make great listeners. Their relaxed, nonjudgmental presence creates an inviting and motivating environment that is comfortable, safe, empowering and FUN!

A unique literacy support program, R.E.A.D. was originally developed by Intermountain Therapy Animals in 1999 and introduced to schools and libraries in Ottawa and the National Capital Region by Chantel Hutter under the umbrella of Ottawa Therapy Dogs (OTD) in 2004. Since then, our R.E.A.D. program has grown to nearly 20 volunteer dog/handler teams working one-on-one with students in schools and libraries across the region.  All of our teams are passionate, dedicated volunteers committed to improving literacy rates one child, one dog and one book at a time.

"We thought the program was excellent. We read with Darren* every day and we see his constant progress… [and] the positive effect of his weekly sessions with Lia and Mrs. Lambert. He looked forward to every Tuesday and took his reading very seriously because he knew that he would be reading to Lia. His hand was on her head or under her chin the whole time he was reading to her. He did his very best and his reading improved."

Darren's Dad
Ottawa, Ontario
*Child's name has been changed.

The concept is simple, but the results are compelling. Children who participate in the R.E.A.D. program make enormous strides in reading and communications skills while building self-esteem, confidence and social skills along the way.

Our program is growing rapidly, but funding is critical in allowing us to meet the increasing demand for R.E.A.D. teams in local schools. As a registered charity serving Ottawa and the National Capital Region, we rely primarily on donations and volunteers to make this program possible.

And we need your help – if you know of an individual or company that may be interested in supporting R.E.A.D., please let us know! Perhaps you know an animal lover or someone who is passionate about books… or even a company that recognizes the importance of childhood literacy. We’d love to contact them with information about how we partner great dogs with wonderful children's books and local kids who need extra help with reading to make a tangible difference in the lives of local children and local literacy rates.

Please contact Julie Davies, R.E.A.D. Coordinator for Ottawa Therapy Dogs – read@ottawatherapydogs.ca.

We've designed the R.E.A.D. website to make it easy to navigate based on who you are:
A dog owner who is interested in becoming a R.E.A.D. team;
An educator or librarian interested in bringing the R.E.A.D. program into your school or library; or
A parent or caregiver with concerns or questions.

Note: Much of this information has been used and/or adapted with permission from Intermountain Therapy Animals’ website and literature. For more information on this amazing organization, please visit www.therapyanimals.org.