Wendy Morgan

Reading to Dogs

The boys who live here have had a tough family life and have usually fallen behind in their reading; this unique program gives them a chance to practice.

Wendy Morgan’s beloved dog, Ruby listens and smiles, as the little boy reads to her.
Photo courtesy of Sacramento Children’s Home

It takes us awhile to get there, but we don’t mind the long drive from our home in Lincoln now that Mom has retired. We’ve been making this trip ever since I was four years old. Now I’m eight and even after four years, each time feels as exciting as the first time.

I’m a lucky dog because I’m one of the canines that gets to be with first to fifth grade boys in a really cool program called “Reading to Dogs.” The boys who live here at the Children’s Home have had a tough family life. They’ve usually fallen behind in their reading. So offering them the opportunity to read aloud to us dogs, gives them a chance to practice their reading skills. In addition to myself, there are also a couple of pugs and a French bulldog. But I am the only Golden Retriever.

Here’s how it works. Each week we work with two boys. Each boy gets 30 minutes on his own with mom and me, in a room with beanbag chairs all over the floor. Every time we come, most of the boys are glad to see me and we greet one another like old friends, even if we’ve only worked together once before. Or even just met.

Sometimes there will be a new boy who is afraid of dogs, or one who is nervous to read. So I always win those boys over with some wags, a lick or two, and a gentle nudge. Mom lets all the boys know I’m really friendly and would never bite. She tells them she’ll be sitting in a nearby chair, in case they need any help.

After a boy has selected a couple of books, I settle in to listen. Because I am a dog, the boys feel free to read at their own pace without worrying that I’ll get restless or bored. As a result, their reading often gets better. They say that I help by giving a calming presence. And me? I just know I love being with each boy. Often, I give him a paw to hold while he reads, or put my head in his lap to give him a little extra love. I admit that I’ve dozed off a time or two, because I get so comfortable on those squishy beanbags. Sometimes, a boy will want his own space, so I just lie nearby. Another may want to sit with Mom to get some help with the hard words. Or she may even read to him. I understand that — because Mom is the best!

When it’s time to go home, we say goodbye to the boys. We don’t know if we’ll ever see them again because each boy has his own challenging family situation and may be reunited with his family — or placed in foster care. So mom and I are thankful for the time we share them, even if it’s just once or twice.

Happily, after the reading, Mom gives me some water and a snack, then loads me back into the car for the drive home. After all that fun, I am always ready for a long nap!

For the past four years, my mom, Wendy Morgan, has been volunteering with the “Reading to Dogs” program for three hours every Friday during the school term. She also donates financially to the “Reading to Dogs” program. Won’t you join us?