PJ Kelly rubs the therapy dog’s thick, white fur as he breezes through “Piglet Comes Home,” the book he’d picked to read that day.
The 8-year-old has always loved stories and enjoys finding new books at Barnes & Noble, but he had little confidence in his reading skills. His mother said he used to open a book, see all the words, and get intimidated.
But on that November afternoon in the programming room at the Brownsburg Public Library, with Cooper lounging next to him on a blanket, PJ got through the pages with more confidence than he did a year ago, when he started with the Paws to Read program.
You can see the story here: IndyStar | Season for Sharing: Paws & Think Reading Program Helps Indianapolis Kids
Photo Description and Credit: PJ Kelly, 8, reads to Paws and Think therapy dog Cooper and handler Sid Zachary on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, after meeting IndyStar for an interview at Brownsburg Public Library. Paws and Think is a program where children can practice their reading in front of therapy dogs, which creates a more welcoming, less intimidating environment. Jenna Watson/IndyStar
