A popular canine will be making its way back into Wellington County libraries.
Lili the therapy dog will be at several libraries throughout the county this summer including the Fergus branch on August 8th. The Paws 4 Stories Program allows youth to read to and interact with the 8-year-old pup.
Her owner, Julie Wheeler-Bryant, who volunteers with St. John’s Ambulance, says while she has read studies that show therapy dogs can have benefits, she judges by the smile that Lili brings to faces.
Wheeler-Bryant says these studies have proven, however, that therapy dogs can increase mood and better self-concept.
She explains the process for Lili to become a therapy dog was a lengthy one.
Wheeler-Bryant says she herself became a volunteer and got involved with therapy dogs 25 years ago.
Motivating in a different context than in school or at home, the Paws 4 Stories Program allows kids to read to and build a positive relationship with Lili, according to Wheeler-Bryant.
She says she’s seen kids’ perspective on dogs completely shift throughout a session.
Wheeler-Bryant is excited to encourage the use of local libraries throughout the County while educating participants and improving more than just reading skills.
Let your local library know you’re interested to book a 20-minute time slot.
The event in Fergus runs from 2-4 p.m..
