Thursday, September 1, 2011

When Dogs go to School

My friend Sandy has an Afghan Hound named Carson.
This sweet friendly BEAUTIFUL dog is a registered therapy dog,
and Sandy works with him in a wonderful program called
"READING WITH ROVER"
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These are watercolor paintings I did of him this past week
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Dogs who have gone through the training process
(and are of the right temperament)
are taken to school classrooms,
bookstores, and other events,
and children come and sit with a dog
AND READ TO THEM!
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Studies have shown that a dogs calming effect
and friendship and non-judgemental listening skills
help to increase a child's reading abilities.
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Sandy took Carson this summer to a weekly reading group
at an elementary school, with several other
Reading With Rover dogs.
This year he will also participate in a program with
developmentally challenged children who will walk with him
~ and be loved and encouraged by his sweet personality ~
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If you would like to learn more about this program,
here is a link to the Reading With Rover website.
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The photo I worked from,
taken as we sat outside of a coffee shop

Here's the sweet boy as a puppy with his buddy
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If you'd like to see the stages of my watercolor painting,
you may click this link to the page on my website:

9 comments:

GwendolynKay said...

What a beautiful dog and what a beautiful painting! You are very gifted. I have never heard of a reading program involving dogs. Very cool!
Blessings~

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

I love coming for a visit and seeing your beautiful Afghan Hounds. I miss mine every day. Over the years I shared my life with 5 of these exquisite hounds.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Beautiful puppies. I'm so glad God made them for us to enjoy and love.

Neat idea about the reading program.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

YOU DID IT DEAREST....HERRRRRRRRRRREEEEESSSSSSS CARSON!!! (you know, like in the Johnny Carson show...HERE'S JOHNNY)...dud.

WONDERFUL PAINTING MY DEAR and how true...animals give us calm. They take our minds off ourselves while we observe and witness their beauty. Hmmmm...I wonder why God gave us so many animals to adore!!!

LOVE YOU, ANita

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Wonderful painting, so beautiful!! And what a great program, fantastic! I hope you have a great weekend xx

Amy Chalmers said...

Wow! What a nice painting you did of the dog. I am happy to see it~so inspiring! I love all dogs, aren't they great, and the therapy dogs are at the top of the heap!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

WOW the likeness is unbelievable my dearest, UNBELIEVABLE!!! Blessings to you my dear, dear sister.

Dawne Boynton Polis said...

Oh, what a beautiful, precious animal! And how wonderful to think that this beautiful boy is helping children to read! I have never heard of this, but I will go now and follow your link. I wish my booBoo could be trained for this.
And Violet, your painting is just SO GOOD. Watercolor is very difficult. If you were in my class I'd give you an A+ !
love for today,
dawne

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

DEAREST!!! YOu came to my post!

OHHHHH..and I have something sparkly for you too! It will take a little time to get on over to the post office I'am afraid, with all the after school meetings this week!! PRAY FOR ME!!!! Love you, Anita