This Cute Pet

Reading to a Canine Buddy

The Lake Tahoe Humane Society and SPCA in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, introduced a Reading Buddy pilot program.

Since 1999, Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ)have appeared in libraries and schools. Students read to a dog with the handler acting as a tutor.These children often find themselves more comfortable reading aloud to a dog than to an adult or peer.

The reader becomes more confident because a dog doesn't criticize or correct. Some of the students continue reading at home to their own pets .

Each reader is given a private session of about 15 minutes and is encouraged to interact with the Reading Buddy dog. The handler helps with words and their meanings and offers support.


Reading Buddy dogs must pass a temperament and training evaluation and be at least 18 months of age. They must have current vaccination records, be spayed or neutered, and must be licensed in their resident county. Dogs must be well-groomed and healthy. Handlers must pass a background check and have experience with children.

The reading sessions are free to the hosting organization, and there is no cost for the individual child. Designated monetary donations are welcome to provide the selected books which will be used in the program, autographed by the Reading Buddy dogs, then given as rewards to participants.

For more information, contact Liz Maul, Lake Tahoe Humane Society and SPCA outreach and education manager, at (530) 542-2857. Donations may be sent to Lake Tahoe Humane Society, P.O. Box PET, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158.