My Nonprofit Reviews

As a children's librarian and animal lover, one of my missions years ago was to get a Paws to Read program going at our public library. Our director at the time was resistant to the idea, primarily for liability reasons. Enter Paws and Think. Gayle Hutchens met with me a couple of times in the early 2000s to work through the details of creating a relationship between that organization and the library. With her help, we started inviting children to come to the library to read to a friendly dog. For at least ten years now, this monthly program has been one of our patrons' most beloved events. We are a busy library, and without the gracious, dedicated volunteers and the organizational skills of their leaders, we wouldn't be able to do this. I can't tell you how many kids--even reluctant readers--light up when given a chance to curl up with a book and read to a dog who will listen without judgement. What sets this group apart is their dedication to continued training (including the R.E.A.D. training). And over the years, the dog-lover in me has been most impressed that while they’re committed to the well-being of the people they serve, they’re just as committed to the health and happiness of the dogs who give so much.

I'm a children's librarian at the Carmel Clay Public Library. We've had monthly visits from the dogs and volunteers for a few years now, and this has been one of our best-received programs ever. For so many reluctant or struggling readers, the simple act of reading aloud to these dogs has opened up a whole new world. One parent told me that she struggled to get her son to practice his reading even for a few minutes a day , until he got involved with our "Paws to Read" program, which inspired him to practice at home for a full hour! He told his mom that he wanted to be ready for his appointment with the Paws and Think dog. And just this past weekend, a mom watched in amazement as her child had her first chance to read to a dog--her daughter ordinarily didn't like reading aloud, but there she was, confidently reading to Ginny, the little dog who listened happily with no judgment!

More Feedback