Children read with dogs in Peoria

PEORIA — As Addy Kennell read the Rumpelstiltskin tale aloud in the Morton Public Library on June 6, she softly petted Lily, a 7-year-old yellow Lab.

Lily nodded off while the soon-to-be third-grader read her favorite story, perking her head up only when Addy showed her pictures from the book.

The scene was a familiar one in the library, as about half a dozen dogs of all breeds and sizes visited with area children as part of the Peoria Humane Society’s “Paws to Read” program..As part of the program, dog owners bring their dogs to the library to give children a friend to read to — one who can’t laugh or criticize them when they stumble over the words.

The library has hosted the “Paws to Read” program for the past few years, said Cindy Snoke, the children’s librarian.

The hope is that children will have more self-esteem and develop their reading skills in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. A recent study from the University of California, Davis suggests that children who read to dogs may learn to read more easily.

“It’s a great opportunity to feel more comfortable reading,” said Lindi Krampitz, a member of the program and Lily’s owner.

Other children came down to the library simply to be around dogs. Abby Kaufman, a Morton resident, brought her daughter and dog lover Iris to the event for her birthday.

As for Addy, her mother, Kelly, has a feeling the visit will lead to more calls for a dog of their own.

“I didn’t know if it would help or make it worse,” she said with a laugh.