Partners In Rhyme.
Paws for READing is part of the Carolina Canines for Therapy program, where certified therapy teams help children to improve their reading and communication skills. Paws for READing is a affiliate program of Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®), an Intermountain Therapy Animals program to bring the program into local schools.

Benefits.
Our Paws for READing teams not only help to improve a child's reading skills, they also:

• Boost a child’s self-esteem
• Motivate and support children as they practice reading aloud in the company of the dog and with the support of the dog’s handler
• Maintain focus, decrease school absenteeism and increase task persistence
• Develop a foundation for lifelong learning Help reduce a child’s blood pressure and heart rate, helping nervous readers relax and focus
• Promote an additional way animals can make a positive difference in childs lives 
• Teach pet responsibility

For children with poor reading capabilities, reading aloud to a group can be intimidating. Paws for READing teams serve as literacy mentors, assisting children with their quiet presence and helping them develop a love of reading in a judgment-free environment.

Since starting the program in 2002, Carolina Canines for Therapy has provided Paws for READing services to almost 500 children in New Hanover County, Brunswick and Duplin county schools and more than 500 children through library programs and community activities. And 83% of children who have participated in Paws for READing have improved their reading capabilities.  

Each Paws for Reading Team is a certified  Carolina Canines for Therapy team and has completed a comprehensive training program. Following successful certification as a Carolina Canines for Therapy team, a Paws for READing team shadows a current team and then completes an additional 4-hour Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®) course.  To learn more about  Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.®) visit Intermountain Therapy Animals.