On Friday, June 15, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Julie Maynard and her dog, Maxwell, went to the Gilpin County Public Library to accompany kids while they read. Maxwell is a therapy dog.
Therapy dogs and service dogs may be mistaken for one another but they are not as similar as some may think. Service dogs should not be pet by others because their focus needs to be on their owner, while therapy dogs can focus on others. A therapy dog is trained to bring comfort and attention to many people, while a service dog is trained to provide a service to one person with a special need.
Maynard explained that when a child reads to a dog their confidence is increased. When a child has trouble reading they may be embarrassed or reluctant to read to others. But a dog will not critique or criticize a child’s reading. A dog just listens. Maynard also said that a child’s reading can improve by the excitement they have when they read to a dog. When reading to the furry friend kids are able to practice their reading skills in an environment that is fun and less stressful for them.
Before she and Maxwell moved to Colorado, Maynard had done Tail Waggin’ Tails programs in Pennsylvania with her previous dog. She and her dog would read with kids in libraries, and at hospice. Maynard hopes to take Maxwell to hospice and schools once they have become familiar with the area.
Maxwell greatly enjoys having a child sit and read to him. He is also a great entertainer to the children, masterfully presenting tricks taught to him by Maynard. Tail Waggin’ Tails, at the library, is a great opportunity to encourage your child to read and watch them grow in their confidence and skills while reading to man’s best friend.
To learn when Maynard and Maxwell will be at the Library again or about any other events you can view the library website at https:// www.gilpinlibrary.org/.
