Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Sweetie is an aptly named canine Read-a-Loud partner who spends every other Friday of the month in the Children's Area of our local library. Earlier today, I was so fortunate to be nearby when she was partnering with a second grader who was reading a Magic Tree House mystery. Every time the child paused for Sweetie to acknowledge his good sounding out of the most challenging words, and his careful phrasing, she would softly lick his hand which was holding the book. With his mom in the background, Sweetie and the young boy shared a 10 minute partnership, and he was rewarded by Sweetie's rapt attention to his every word.

Next Sweetie had an appointment with twins who took turns reading from a shared read aloud of poetry by Shel Silverstein. With each girl giggling over the words, Sweetie was seen to be smiling with her tongue lolling a bit as they each read. After the 10 minute slot was done, each girl gave Sweetie a gentle hug and were rewarded by Sweetie's fore leg bow.

In speaking with Sweetie's owner and transportation "captain" I learned that Sweetie had been specially trained to work as a service dog, now retired after a career of exceptional service with Canine Companions, and she is "in her twilight years" eager in her service at the library.

Sweetie has a special "lounging mat" behind the scenes in the Children's Area, for when she is "taking a paws" and refreshing herself with fresh water and a treat.. This is Sweetie's third summer that she has been the "regular" Read A Loud Partner. Fridays from 2-4 pm, Sweetie is ready to listen and provide a "paws".