As families enter the Kitsap Regional Library, their children rush to the conference room to check in. With kids from all ages browsing the selection of books available before picking one and settling down with a dog. Gathering around in a circle, flipping through the pages of their books with smiles and pets all around.

“Read to a Dog” is an event that took place in Silverdale on Nov. 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., welcoming people of all ages but specifically targeted towards young children who want to practice their reading skills with a furry friend at their side. 

“The idea is that you give kids a chance to read out loud without judgment or fear of someone laughing at them if they mispronounce something or if they halt,” Youth Services Librarian Aleah Jurnecka said.

Hosted by the Kitsap Regional Library, this event happens once a month where volunteers from Therapy Dogs International bring their canine companions to help lower the stress and anxiety that can come from reading aloud.

“You reduce cortisol, and you increase oxytocin, I believe, just by petting the dogs, both dogs and humans release stress relieving hormones and so it helps make reading become less stressful,” Jurnecka said. “So, if a kid, if they struggle with reading—just petting the dogs, [those] anxiety levels can be brought down and then reading can be something that’s fun instead of stressful.”

Whisper and Molly, the two reading dogs at the event on Thursday, are certified therapy dogs that have been working in the volunteer program for several years. Whisper’s handler, Patricia Beckmen, describes Whisper as chill and mellow, making her a great option for children who are trying to overcome their fear of dogs. 

“Sometimes some of the kids that she has interacted with are afraid of dogs, and so [it’s helpful] getting a child up closer to a dog that can be trusted; I can certainly trust that she’s not going to do anything to scare a child,” Beckman said.

While allowing ways for kids to overcome their fears and stressors, it’s also a great way to learn and develop a new skill that will stick with you in the long run. Jurnecka stresses that reading with dogs is a fun and relaxing way to freshen up your read aloud skills.

“It’s great for English learners to practice reading—dogs don’t care if you’re reading something super complex or if it’s super simple, they can hear the same book over and over and over and over again,” Jurnecka said. “They’re just happy to hang out with you and the unconditional love and support [can] really help.”

Jurnecka and the volunteers make sure that the space is a judgment free zone, where kids can feel comfortable to make mistakes when reading. 

“Some kids that I’ve interacted with that have some learning disabilities or dyslexia, don’t want to read out loud, and so they oftentimes even want to be in a separate room if they have to do it, rather than to be in an open room with other kids,” Beckman said. 

Audra Snook, one of the parents at the event, explains the different ways her kid benefited from being able to read to the therapy dogs on Thursday afternoon. 

“She gets to learn about service dogs, and just interacting with other dogs besides ours, and then it improves her reading,” Snook said.

Beckman explains the enjoyment and compassion the dogs get from doing the volunteer work, showing that it’s not only the children who are having a good time.

“Well, when you find a dog that gives back like this, you want the dog to enjoy doing it, and if the dog doesn’t enjoy doing it, you don’t do it,” Beckman said. “But I’ve always wanted a therapy dog that could do these sorts of things. And when I met Whisper, because she was re-homed to me when she was two years old, I just knew that this was her calling.”

This story was originally published on Cougar Chronicle on November 16, 2024.