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Kim Lamb/LVN Photo Karen Whitehead sits with Dozer in her Churchill County living room . The Whitehead family rescued Dozer from the Churchill Animal Protection Society more than two years ago.
Children who have trouble reading out loud often give up because of ridicule or embarrassment.
A Fallon woman has an idea that could help those struggling students gain confidence in their reading skills.
Karen Whitehead heard about a program called "Reading with Rover" that uses certified therapy dogs in schools and libraries to help children overcome their fear of reading out loud.
The student doesn't face his or her peers but reads to the dog instead.
A Fallon woman has an idea that could help those struggling students gain confidence in their reading skills.
Karen Whitehead heard about a program called "Reading with Rover" that uses certified therapy dogs in schools and libraries to help children overcome their fear of reading out loud.
The student doesn't face his or her peers but reads to the dog instead.
"The animal is not going to judge them or laugh at them," Whitehead said. "It certainly helps the child's self-esteem."
Dozer is part English Mastiff and part Bull Mastiff - a black giant of dog. But he is gentle and graduated from obedience training. Whitehead needs a few more tests before Dozer can be brought to school to listen to stories.
Whitehead has offered the unique service to E.C. Best Elementary School where her boys, ages 5 and 7, attend.
She also plans to offer pet therapy for Fallon Rural Respite, an organization that gives caregivers of abused, handicapped or special needs children a break. Whitehead has served on the Fallon Rural Respite board for five years and is the current treasurer.
Dozer is part English Mastiff and part Bull Mastiff - a black giant of dog. But he is gentle and graduated from obedience training. Whitehead needs a few more tests before Dozer can be brought to school to listen to stories.
Whitehead has offered the unique service to E.C. Best Elementary School where her boys, ages 5 and 7, attend.
She also plans to offer pet therapy for Fallon Rural Respite, an organization that gives caregivers of abused, handicapped or special needs children a break. Whitehead has served on the Fallon Rural Respite board for five years and is the current treasurer.
According to the Reading with Rover Website, studies have shown that having a dog nearby while an at-risk student reads turns off anxiety, creates safety and intimacy and improves expectations.
Teachers in Woodinville, Wash., where the program is based, reported increased self-confidence, less absenteeism and that children become more active in other school lessons after reading to a dog. Those pupils also began reading aloud in class without fear and learn that reading is fun.
The Whitehead family rescued Dozer from the Churchill Animal Protection Society more than two years ago. The dog had been surrendered by a Navy wife who found caring for dogs, children and a family while her husband was overseas too much to handle.
"One man's trash is another man's treasure," Whitehead said. "He's an absolute sweetheart."
Teachers in Woodinville, Wash., where the program is based, reported increased self-confidence, less absenteeism and that children become more active in other school lessons after reading to a dog. Those pupils also began reading aloud in class without fear and learn that reading is fun.
The Whitehead family rescued Dozer from the Churchill Animal Protection Society more than two years ago. The dog had been surrendered by a Navy wife who found caring for dogs, children and a family while her husband was overseas too much to handle.
"One man's trash is another man's treasure," Whitehead said. "He's an absolute sweetheart."
Dozer has passed a series of tests that make him eligible to become a therapy dog, including how he reacts to strong noises and smells. Whitehead and Dozer are judged as a team on obedience and handling. The dog is also checked for any signs of aggression or barking at strangers. So far, Dozer and Whitehead have passed every exam necessary for certification.
Whitehead said she would like to see a program using dogs to help poor readers in every school in Fallon. She moved to Churchill County in 1988 from San Diego.
It's a way to serve the community and teach her sons about volunteer work, she said.
"For me, it's a wonderful way to give back to the community, and I want to teach my children that there's a whole world out there and they need to be part of it," Whitehead said. "As soon as my kids are old enough, I want them doing community service."
Marlene Garcia can be contacted at mgarcia@lahontanvalleynews.com
Whitehead said she would like to see a program using dogs to help poor readers in every school in Fallon. She moved to Churchill County in 1988 from San Diego.
It's a way to serve the community and teach her sons about volunteer work, she said.
"For me, it's a wonderful way to give back to the community, and I want to teach my children that there's a whole world out there and they need to be part of it," Whitehead said. "As soon as my kids are old enough, I want them doing community service."
Marlene Garcia can be contacted at mgarcia@lahontanvalleynews.com
