The article also mentioned a scheme called Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D). It's run by an American non profit organization Intermountain Therapy Animals.
Their aim is to "work with children and adults who are physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled, as well as others who can benefit from the unique qualities that interaction with an animal can provide."
This pic below is one found in the gallery page of their website.
Copyright (c) 1996-2009 by Intermountain Therapy Animals
What struck me about this photo is how intimate it is. How the boy and the dog seem lost in their own world - everything and everyone shut out.
I just love the way the child and dog mirror each other. I love how they seem to have finally found the one creature who understands.
Those lucky enough to have found such a soul-mate know. Those of us still searching recognise and hope.
Do you see all these too?
I really believe that we can never underestimate the effect a pet has with children nor with the inner child in all of us.
Charlie says: I'm not reading Iams Beef in Gravy pouch here.
Have a book filled, pet-filled weekend everyone!!
25 comments:
That picture is ADORABLE. Animals really are the greatest. :-)
That was a great story, it is wonderful how the kids respond...besides, Batman had a big smile too! Hey Charlie, someone send you the wrong treat box.
Awesome, beautiful photograph...I agree totally; my cats are my friends, my family, my babies, my soulmates=the bond is precious and unconditional, just like the love...Kisses to Charlie...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki
Jennifer, this is a beautiful post! As I'm learning to love my children's dogs (and getting over fear of dogs that was instilled in me by my mother when I was young) I see everything here that you say so eloquently. I have a nine year old grandson who is high-functioning autistic, and they have two dogs. James has a rapport with them I've noticed sometimes when I visit.
This is so lovely. Thank you!
That's a beautiful picture of a boy & his reading buddy [dog]!
Charlie is reading about Birkenstocks? :)
Pets touch people and kids especially in so many ways. I love to hear how they help each other. I have heard of this group and think it is great. I felt this way about animals ever since a child - would rather be with them than humans! Charlie is looking good!
that is a great pic. Dogs are so special- they really are capable of unconditional love. I know a hug from my ole dog buster always helped me to feel better and he always seemed to know when I needed one.
What a lovely story to start my day!
It is perfect!
* we are just resting at home
That's a wonderful photo, Jennifer. Kindred spirits, hearts and souls connecting.
I've been lucky to have two horse soul mates in my life.
People? Not so much. Our connection with non-humans is so much purer, I think, because it isn't encumbered by issues and unrealistic expectations. We're free to connect and to bond, one Being to another, hearts filled with unconditional love. Perhaps most mothers feel that way about their children, but partner relationships usually come with a whole host of conditions.
I think most humans grossly undervalue the worth of non-human Beings, sadly. So this photo (and the non-profit org) is uplifting.
Have a lovely Sunday! Smooches to Charlie. I hope he got his beef-in-gravy. LOL.
I share your thoughts about how intimate the boy and dog look. There is definitely a bond between any pet and owner.
This is so sweet. I'm for anything that gets children reading.
Though I do have to admit, I wonder if the dog is drooling on the book.
You think Charlie will want to be part of a cat reading program?
Hi Jennifer and Charlie!!
What a beautiful post!!
We really missed all of our English bloggie friends...
Our mommy had been too busy.
And today we came here and saw this great story.
Thank You!!!
I love this photo. You're right; it's so intimate.
Hope you and Charlie are having a great weekend!
You've shown a very touching picture Jenn - unconditional love at its best. Animals enrich a child's life as there are no demands in return.
All of that is do true. It is just terrific how animals respond to children. I had a very feral kitten in the house here, and my neighbor brought over her 3 year old granddaughter and darned if that child didn't just pat the kitten but picked him up and carried him around for an hour. It was just amazing. That is a great story about what those dogs do. Thanks for that.
Charlie, you need to put in a complaint about the beef stuff you want. Where is it??
Take care and have a great Sunday.
Lovely photo.
When I worked in hospitals I often found that if we had animals to visit they got a response from patients that was really quite moving. It's sometimes easier to let your guard down with an animal and just be yourself. (Although if the animal is a hungry bear that's chasing you then do keep your guard most definitely up!)
What a great organization. My old Black Lab was the best buddy in the world! The cats, well, they prefer to be read TO. Preferably about other Cats.
I don't remember when I've read this but there's this thing about dogs I came across once: a dog is the only creature that will love you unconditionally to the maximum - more than itself. In many ways that's true (although, whoever came up with that, surely wasn't a parent I guess). On a different note: I've read a lot about dogs being very helpful for therapy and I think that the idea itself is brilliant.
Love that picture, There is nothing like having a pet to communicate with. I remember having long, long talks with my dogs when I was a kid. They were so comforting. My cats listen to me these days but I suspect they are also making lists of snack foods in their heads as they do.
Pets accept us without preconditions and give us all of their loyalty. Its no wonder people bond so strongly with their pets.
Abby says "Hi Charlie"!
Beautiful picture. I so agree with the sentiment, Jasper is my everything and knows my mood so well. He will sit with me and his look says all. Lovely post.. Hugs GJ and Carol x
What a lovely post - as you know we have 2 dogs and Little L is obsessed with them - she hugs them and kisses them, gives them her food it's really very special. Both sets of grandparents have cats and she gets so excited when she sees them.
I really think bringing children up with animals, teaches them respect on so many levels x
I didn't have a dog as a child, but this made me wish I did.
One of my cats often reads with me, whether it's with a book, Blackberry or Kindle. He likes to lie across one or both arms, sometimes obscuring the pages.
Thank you for your kind comments about my blog and thank you for becoming my newest follower!
I'm so glad you love the pictures of our pet sitting clients and our blog friends that are on my sidebars! Pets are wonderful, aren't they?
I have heard of R.E.A.D and I wish our coonhound, Daisy, could sit long enough to be involved in this program but I have recommended the program to a few clients who own dogs who are quiet and content enough to sit by a child's side as he reads.
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