Anyone who has ever watched a child read to a dog recognizes a certain magic in this natural exchange. Among the first to extrapolate the benefits were the folks at Utah-based R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs). They understood that if young readers enjoyed reading aloud to a nonjudgmental pup they could overcome discomfort and a lack of confidence.

About seven years ago, Bothell children's librarian MieMie Wu create a local program based on this model called Reading with Rover. She teamed up with the Bellevue-based Delta Society (which certifies service- and therapy-dog teams) and Becky Bishop, a Woodinville dog trainer and owner of Puppy Manners. As the program executive director, Bishops' dogs have been reading helpers.

Over the years, volunteers with certified assistance dogs (called Pet Partners) have brought this special blend of fun and education to elementary schools, bookstores, libraries and homes in the Puget Sound area. Among the program's reported benefits to young readers are greater comfort and confidence reading aloud, improved reading ability, increased empathy and social skills. The dogs get their share of pats, praise, treats and the daily recommended dose of children's literature.

Reading with Rover teams will lope into the Edmonds Library on Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., eager to listen. They also offer a friendly paw on the third Thursday of every month at Third Place Books (Lake Forest Park), 6:30 to 8 p.m. Frequent Reading with Rover events are scheduled all year long.

If you think you have the makings of a reading team, contact info@readingwithrover.org to observe Pet Partners in action and for details on how to become Delta Society-certified.

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