“It promotes reading in a way that anxiety levels are much lower…There's something really special about that human, animal bond. You see that magic that happens when the unconditional love and acceptance, the loyalty of a dog, it promotes learning in a way that's a real gift."
-Dr. Forrest Reynolds, Tennessee Veterinary Medical Foundation President
The Tennessee Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) recently awarded Therapy ARC a grant that helped fund 13 canine Therapy ARC teams to go forward in their training in becoming READing Paws teams. READing Paws’ mission is to improve the reading skills of children through the assistance of qualified therapy animal-owner/handler teams as literacy mentors. These teams visit schools, libraries and other places of learning to serve as reading partners for children.
READing Paws is active in several communities, but hoping to expand the reach of their canine/mentor teams. If you would like to help the TVMF fund amazing programs such as READing Paws and Therapy ARC, click HERE!
If you'd like to learn more about a Reading Paws team visiting your school, reach out to Merilee Kelley at merileekelley@me.com.
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TVMF awards Therapy ARC grant to fund additional therapy READing Paws canine teams
Dr. Forrest Reynolds, past TVMA president and current TVMF president, was present when Northfield Elementary School in Murfreesboro, TN was lucky enough to be visited by Therapy ARC’s READing Paws. Students enjoyed practicing their literacy skills with the beloved pups. A registered Therapy Animal and owner/handler make up a READing Paws team.