Fuller: San Joaquin pet therapy group helping kids read - Oakland Tribune
Paws 4 Friends is a relatively new program in San Joaquin County that involves therapy dogs and reading.
Although the dogs themselves don't do the reading, the therapy dogs help by listening as children read.
The trend of using therapy dogs is on the rise both in our county and throughout the nation. I've heard of cases where specially trained therapy dogs sometimes are used in courtroom settings with children who have undergone traumatic situations. More commonly known might be therapy dogs that are used in medical and assisted-care facilities.
"Some people are in care facilities that can't have their own pets, and so this program is great for them," explained Laura Francis, founder and chair of Paws 4 Friends. "I started this group because there were no other dog therapy groups like this in the Manteca area. We actually started off with only four people, back in March of 2010. Now we have about 25 volunteer members and every week we have two to three activities going on."
Paws 4 Friends currently serves the communities of Manteca, Tracy, Lathrop and Mountain House. The dogs that take part in the activities have been certified through Therapy Dogs Inc. and Paws 4 Friends. To become certified, a dog first must go through an obedience class and have three observations in a public place, such as a care facility or public library. Dogs must be healthy, and all shots need to be current. The dogs' handlers also must go through a
background check."We have all kinds and sizes of dogs in our group. Some people like big dogs -- we have a Bernese Mountain Dog named Rio -- and some like little dogs like my Bailey, who is a Pomeranian. You should see how the people react to the dogs at the events. The kids especially love the dogs and usually want to hold or hug them," said Heidi Mezenski, a volunteer with Paws 4 Friends.
"The source of success for the Paws 4 Friends therapy group is its members," added Laura Francis. "Each member contributes a unique willingness and talent, which enhances the club. Also, at each of our club meetings we target an animal shelter. We ask our members to bring donations from pet food to supplies and then donate them to the shelter."
In September, you can catch Paws 4 Friends at the following locations in Manteca and Tracy:
- Saturdays at Manteca Branch Library, 320 W. Center, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. This Saturday's reading program is open to the public, and kids are encouraged take part in it.
- Every other Monday (starting Sept. 12) at Manteca Care and Rehabilitation Center, 410 Eastwood Ave., at 4 p.m.
- Every other Thursday (starting Sept. 8) at Heritage Place in Tracy, 355 W. Grantline Road, at 4:30 p.m.
- Alternating Thursdays (starting Sept. 15) at New Hope Care Center in Tracy, 2586 Buthmann Ave., at 4:30 p.m.
Paws 4 Friends also will be starting activities at the Doctor's Hospital in Manteca in September, with the date still to be determined. The group is hoping to spread the word and expand their activities to more cities located in San Joaquin County.
For more information on Paws 4 Friends, call 209-823-0897.
Reach Anne Marie Fuller at annemarietv@juno.com.
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Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEdLd33Uwhc-sbA4AvjQyNXz23Mnw&url=http://www.insidebayarea.com/columns/ci_18778054
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