Dogs help kids feel at ease reading

It'll be just like reading with a favorite stuffed doggy --only the animal will be real.

The Glen Ellyn Public Library and Glenbard All Breed Obedience Club are offering a time for children to brush up on their reading skills with the help of some gentle, four-legged therapy dogs.

Groovy, a Newfoundland; Diesel, a Doberman pinscher; and Rosie, a German shepherd, will spend 15 minutes with each child from 10 to 11 a.m. today to help build kids' confidence in reading aloud.

Melissa Hilt, the library's assistant youth services director, has been looking into a reading program of this sort for several years.

The program was originally started for kids who are shy or stutter.

"It's for them to practice their reading out loud without someone judging them," Hilt said. "So it's just to get kids more comfortable with reading and work past their struggle, but anyone can do it."

Library Director Dawn Bussey plans to bring her 6-year-old daughter, Bethany, to the therapy dog reading program.

Bussey loves the program, and says her daughter's the perfect example of why the program's a great idea.

"She was embarrassed to read in front of other children or teachers because she knew she wasn't reading as well," she said.

Now that Bethany's enjoying reading more and more as she learns, Bussey's finding her daughter is quite excited.

"She is so excited about this, and she loves dogs, too," Bussey said. "I think it's a great opportunity for children that need that extra help, and it makes it a fun way for them to practice their reading."

Hilt expects the program to be a success.

"We're just going to give it a trial run this time," she said, "and hopefully make it a program we'll continue on a regular basis."

If you go

What: Kids read to therapy dogs

When: 10 to 11 a.m. today

Where: Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St.

Cost: Free

Details: (630) 469-0879