Redford Township District Library has partnered with Dr. Paws Pet Assistant Therapy to offer the Paws for Reading program on Saturdays for readers from beginner through fifth-grade levels. During the 20-minute session designed to promote reading skills in an unstressed environment, the child will read to one of two trained therapy dogs: Molly, an Old English Sheepdog; or Billy Flynn, a black Labrador. Registration in person at the library’s children’s desk by a parent or guardian is required, along with a signed permission slip stating the child participating has no allergies.
Terry Seraceno founded the Dr. Paws program, an affiliate of Therapy Dogs, Inc., in 1994 to brighten the day of patients while working at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills. Dogs and owners are required to pass an exam and three observation visits by a Dr. Paws tester to be eligible to register as a therapy dog.
Cost: Free. Location: 25320 W. Six Mile Rd., Redford. For more information, call 313-531-5960 or visit redfordlibrary.org.