Waggin' Tales Children's Reading Program

What is Waggin' Tales?
Waggin' Tales is a reading program designed to help children increase their reading skills. Children will read to a therapy dog for a period of 20 minutes. Our volunteers will assist the children as necessary in learning to read. Children may bring in their own books to read or one will be selected by the volunteer.

Participation in the program must be limited to children in school grades one to twelve. If there is a waiting list at the end of 4 weeks, the child may be asked to wait before signing up again. This will enable all children a chance to be a part of the program.

Benefits to the Children 

• The dog's non-judgmental presence removes the stigma of the child's lack of ability to read out loud.
• Studies have shown an increase in reading comprehension skills.
• As reading levels increase, the child's self-esteem rises.
• Studies have shown some students have increased their social skills even outside of the program.
• Offers an opportunity to learn how to be safe around animals.

Benefits to the Library

• The program increases the child's Library learning experience.
• The Library is providing a motivational and educational way of learning.
• Provides opportunities to build respect for books, premises and other people.
• It will attract attention to the Library.

How Can You Get Involved?
Waggin' Tales uses certified therapy dogs for the program. These dogs are specifically trained to work with the public. If you or someone you know would like to become part of the Waggin' Tales group or register a child, please call Dot Blair at (772) 462-2189, Fax: (772) 462-1803.

Honor Roll of Participating Pooches

Chance... Chance is a Rough Coated Collie whose full name is Rainbow's Second Chance. She was a stray dog taken to the local shelter. Chance already is dog showing and doing very well in the ratings. Another success story of a shelter dog with the right training who has accomplished many things. Visit your local shelter and you might find a great pet looking for another chance at happiness.

Cheyenne... Cheyenne is a Golden Retriever. Her favorite book is One Golden Year by Coleen Hubbard, and her favorite movie is "Air Bud."

China... China is a Shih Tzu. Her favorite book is Widget & the Puppy by Lyn Rossiter McFarland and Jim McFarland, and her favorite movie is Disney's "Shaggy Dog."

Koko... Koko is a Miniature French Poodle. Her favorite book is Poodlena by E.B. McHenry, and her favorite movie is Disney's "Oliver and Company."

Maggye... Maggye is a Golden Retriever. Her favorite book is One Golden Year by Coleen Hubbard, and her favorite movie is Disney's "Air Bud." She also admires Einstein in Dean Koontz's The Watchers.

Maisy... Maisy is a Pug. Her favorite book is Maisy's Rainbow Dream by Lucy Cousins, and her favorite movie is "The Adventures of Milo and Otis."

Mandy... Mandy is Shih Tzu. Her favorite book is Wuffy the Wonder Dog by Margaret Morgan, and her favorite movie is Disney's "Snow Buddies."

Nick... Nick is a Golden Retriever. His favorite book is Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz, and his favorite movie is "Air Bud."

Noah... Noah is a Bouvier Des Flandres. His favorite book is Pick of the Litter by Bill Wallace, and his favorite movie is Disney's "Shaggy Dog."

Patches... Patches is Shih Poo mix. Her favorite book is Widget by Lyn Rossiter McFarland and Jim McFarland, and her favorite movie is "Bridge over Terabithia."

Potion... Potion is the black Standard French Poodle. Her favorite book is Kizzi's Special Friends by Dottie McPherson, and her favorite movie is Disney's "102 Dalmatians."

Shadow... Shadow is a Labrador Retriever. His favorite book is Pepper, a Snowy Search by Liam O'Donnell and Cathy Diefendorf, and his favorite movie is "Far from Home: Adventures of Yellow Dog."

Sophie... Sophie is a Bichon Frisé. Her favorite book is Laura, the Bichon Frise: My New Home by Teresa R. Allen, and her favorite movie is "Miracle Dogs."

Taz... Taz is a Labrador Retriever. His favorite book is Ally's Busy Day by Maureen Pranghofer and Chris Hubly, and his favorite movie is Disney's "All Dogs Go To Heaven."

Velvet... Velvet is a Golden Retriever. Her favorite book is Baby Dog Beans Comes Home by Jennie Hale, and her favorite movie is Disney's "Air Bud."

Retired from the Program

Annie... Annie is a Labradoodle. Her favorite book is Puppy Miracles: True, Inspirational Stories of Our Lovable, Furry Friends by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger, and her favorite movie is "A Boy Called Woof."

Bogey... Bogey is an Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd is AKC's 135th breed. The Aussie’s popularity boomed with Western culture and horse riding after WWII and was often featured in rodeos, horse shows, movies, and TV. The breed is a favorite of ranchers, who use the breed for its inherent trainability. Bogey's favorite book is Curious George. His favorite movie is "The Never Ending Story." His favorite activity is keeping any lonely lap company. Bogey has had prior training working with Alzheimer's patients.

Bijou... Bijou is a Bouvier de Flandres. This is a Belgian herding dog. Her registered name is Ch. Bijou Noir M I Dreamin'. She likes Rally O and playing with her kids. Her favorite book is Eva Moore's Buddy: First Seeing Eye Dog. Her favorite movie is Disney's "The Dog of Flanders."

Chipper... Chipper is a Cardigan Corgi. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the Corgi with the tail, is the older of the two Corgi breeds, and one of the earliest breeds in the British Isles. The little dog was trained to perform a service the opposite of that done by the herding dog. Instead of herding the cattle, the Corgi would nip at their heels and drive them as far afield as desired. Chipper's favorite movie is "101 Dalmatians." He likes all the children's books and his favorite activity is going for long walks.

Darby... Darby is a Golden Retriever. Her favorite book is Puppy Dog Kisses are Good for the Soul by Mail Order Annie and Howard Weinstein, and her favorite movie is "Disney's Air Buddies."

Grace Kelly... Grace Kelly is a Labrador Retriever. Her favorite book is Marley & Me by John Grogan, and her favorite movie is Disney's "Incredible Journey."

Jazzmine... Jazzmine is a Golden Retriever. She has been a therapy dog for 3 years and the only experienced dog in the group. Her favorite book is My Big Dog by Janet Stevens. Her favorite movie is Disney's "Lady and the Tramp." She likes reading with children, and her favorite outdoor activity is chasing lizards. She likes biscuits, Cheerios and hot dogs. Jazzmine has a cousin named Bear and a cat named Charles whom she plays with at home.

Jessie... Jessie is an English Springer Spaniel. Her favorite book is Clifford, the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell, and her favorite movie is "Seabiscuit." Jessie is a retired champion show dog with lots of trophies and ribbons. She enjoyed being a Waggin' Tales volunteer since she loves the Library, children and staff.

KC... KC is a Golden Retriever. His favorite book is Boomer Saves the Day by Constance McGeorge and Mary Whyte, and his favorite movie is "Air Buddies."

Molly... Molly is a Golden Retriever. Retrievers came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both waterfowl and upland game. Her favorite book is I Knew You Could! by Craig Dorfman, and her favorite movie is Disney's "The Fox and the Hound." Molly's favorite activity is running on the beach.

Okie... Okie is a Labradoodle. His favorite book is Just Dog by Hiawyn Oram, and his favorite movie is "Miracle Dogs 2."

Penny... Penny is a Puggle. Her favorite book is Pup and Hound in Trouble by Susan Hood, and her favorite movie is "The Adventures of Milo and Otis."

Phoebe... Phoebe is a Portuguese Water Dog. They are swimmers and divers of exceptional ability and stamina who aided their masters at sea along the Portuguese coast by retrieving broken nets, herding schools of fish, and carrying messages between boats and to shore. Phoebe's favorite book is One Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova. Her favorite movie is "Turner and Hooch" starring Tom Hanks. She is a people dog, so her favorite activity is meeting new people.

Samie... Samie is a Labradoodle. Her favorite book is Part-time Dog by Jane Thayer, and her favorite movie is "Miracle Dogs."

Snickers... Snickers is a mix breed. Her favorite book is A Dog Called Kitty by Bill Wallace, and her favorite movie is "Where the Red Fern Grows."

Tammy... Tammy is Havanese. Her favorite book is Benji and Me by Joe Camp, and her favorite movie is "Benji Unleashed."

Dogs and Cats in Training
 

Amber... Amber is a Toy Poodle.

Frances Jean... Frances Jean is an American Short Hair cat.

Music... Music is an Australian Shepherd.

Oliver... Oliver is a Standard French Poodle.

Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge...

Mocha... †December 11, 2006

Son Shine... †February 6, 2008

Tony... †November 9, 2006

Wakhan... †December 26, 2006

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