Harlee Boy & Beverley are participants in the Intermountain Therapy Animal's R.E.A.D. Program (Reading Education Assistance Dog) R.E.A.D. A Program of Intermountain Therapy Animals The mission of the R.E.A.D.® program is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered therapy teams as literacy mentors. The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.® ) program improves children’s reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog. But not just any dog. R.E.A.D. dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team, going to schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for children. - Intermountain Therapy Animals - R.E.A.D.® We had a little pre-schooler who was deathly afraid of Harlee when we first went in for the little readers. It took several weeks of her watching the other children and Harlee and all the love he recieved from other little classmates. She first did a reaching touch from the rear and jumped back. Then when Harlee was surrounded by all the other little children she reached in to touch. It took 6 months and finally she walked up to Harlee alone and gave him a hug! It made my day! She is ready to start reading to Harlee when the time comes. I had a mother tell me that her daughter had no interest in reading until Harlee came into the picture. So very rewarding, I sure hope others get involved with their dogs as they do indeed make a difference. In these tough times the teachers can use a helping hand also the nurse's. We all can give back! Registered Delta Society Team, Registered R.E.A.D. team Harlee & Beverley LaLonde Harlee was bred by Timshell Farm. Here is the July 2010 e-newsletter from the Presque Isle District Library System talking about Harlee and the R.E.A.D. program CLICK HERE to read PDF file Intermountain Therapy Animals welcomes all who want to lend a helping paw • a tax-deductible donation • become a member • make an ITA wish come true • internet shopping • become a volunteer For more information, visit Intermountain Therapy Animals - Get Involved R.E.A.D.® Program Contacts: For more information about R.E.A.D.® , please contact Intermountain Therapy Animals, Phone: 801-272-3439 Website: http://www.therapyanimals.org/