CullmanTimes.com, Cullman, Alabama

Local News

February 5, 2009

Tail Waggin’ Tutors

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  • Bob Anderson, left, introduces his dog Cinnamon to Aubrey Helms, 3, of Cullman Tuesday morning at the Cullman County Public Library. Cinnamon is a therapy dog with therapy dogs international. Amanda Shavers-Davis

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By Trent Moore

Staff Writer

For Kasen Boren, his trip to the Cullman County Public Library this week was different than most.

The four-year-old from West Point was among a dozen or so children who recently participated in the library’s first ever Tail Waggin’ Tutors event, where the children had the opportunity to sit and read a book to a trained dog.

Cassie Johnson, youth services director at the library, said the program is intended to make the children more comfortable while learning to read.

“It creates a stress-free environment for the children,” she said. “The dog won’t know or care if they mess up, so it’s a relaxed way to get them used to reading out loud in an atmosphere that isn’t stressful for them.”

Dog handler Bob Anderson brought his two and a half year old specially trained daschund — Cinnamon — to play and interact with the children.

“It’s a great one-on-one way to encourage their confidence,” Anderson, a Hartselle native, said. “Children who are struggling can sometimes read to a dog, because the dog won’t be judging. At times, their reading skills can improve dramatically.”

After his reading session with Cinnamon, Kasen had just one thought to share.

“It was awesome,” he said.

Johnson, who heard about the program from a library in Jefferson County, said the children seem to really enjoy the experience.

“The kids love it,” she said. “I just thought it’d be something cool we could do for the kids, to help them practice a skill.”

Tina Boren, mother of Kasen, said she believes the program is an excellent way to engage children in reading.

“I love it,” she said. “I just think it’s a great way to get the kids involved.”

Cinnamon was a little overwhelmed and shy for the first Tail Waggin’ Tutors in Cullman, though Anderson said that should change in the future.

After a time or two, Cinnamon will get used to the kids and get real active,” he said.

Johnson said she hopes to have another Tail Waggin’ Tutors event soon.

The Tail Waggin’ Tutors program is associated with Therapy Dogs International, which trains dogs and their handlers to visit institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes to provide emotional support. More information about the program can be found at the Therapy Dogs International Web site (http://www.tdi-dog.org).

‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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