Dogs and Tales

There are so many reasons to sign your kid up to read to the dogs.

Some kids do it because they struggle with reading, so they have the opportunity to do it in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Who could be less judging than a dog?

Some kids do it because, though they are great readers, they have a fear of dogs. What better way to expose them to this fear than with gentle certified therapy dogs while they do something they like in a place they like?

I even had one mom tell me she wanted her daughter to read to the German Shepherd because she (the mom, not the daughter), had a bad experience with a German Shepherd and she wanted to meet a nice one.

Whatever your reason, you can call the Children's Desk at 503-718-2673 today to register your child for Dogs and Tales. The program happens every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30. Kids sign up for a 20-minute slot. We pull the sign-up sheets out 2 weeks in advance, and your child can register every other week. On the in-between weeks, they can be put on the waiting list and if there happens to be an opening, we will call you the day of the program. Whether they are sounding out 3-letter words or reading Percy Jackson books, kids up through 5th grade are eligible.

Blue Bell, Certified Therapy Dog

Dogs and Tales This Summer!

I am happy to announce that for the first time in several years, Dogs and Tales will continue through the summer! For those of you who don't know about it, this great program offers beginning readers through 5th graders a chance to practice reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. They can stretch their reading wings in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment, developing skills and building confidence.

The program is offered on Wednesday evenings between 6 and 7:30 p.m., beginning June 18. You may register for this first session as early as May 28. Every session after that, you may register 2 weeks in advance. Visit or call the Children's Desk at 503-718-2673 to register your child.

Dogs & Tales

Could your child use a helping paw with reading? Reading aloud to a dog creates a relaxed, non-judgmental environment to help children develop their reading skills and build confidence. Our volunteer dog-and-owner teams are all certified in pet-assisted therapy.

In order to make sessions accessible to more readers, kids may sign up to read with a dog team ONCE EVERY OTHER WEEK. On the alternate week, they may sign up for the waiting list. If there is room on the day of the program, we will fill slots using the waiting list.

You may call the Children's Desk at 503-718-2656 to register your child. Beginning readers through 5th grade are welcome.

Dogs and Tales for Fall 2012

With summer coming to and end and the schoolyear upon us, Dogs and Tales will be back in full swing starting on September 5th.  Sign-ups for scheduling an appointment to read to a dog will again be two weeks in advance.  Beginning readers through fifth graders may begin signing up on August 22nd.  Eight reading slots will be available almost each week on Wednesday evenings through mid-December.  Call the children's desk at 503-718-2656 to sign-up!