WATERTOWN – New or struggling readers who need a friendly, non-judgmental audience to practice their skills can head to the Watertown Free Public Library each month for its “Read to a Dog” program.

Married Watertown residents Penny Shultz and Joel Wolff bring their two retrievers – 11 year-old Aspen and 2 year-old Cypress – to the library each month to lend an ear to young readers. Children get to spend 15 minutes snuggling up with one of the two certified therapy dogs, choosing a book, and reading aloud some of their favorite stories.

Check out the Watertown Free Public Library’s events page to see when the next “Read to a Dog” program will be happening. Reservations in advance are required, so just visit the Children’s Desk or call 617-972-6435 to sign up.

Penny and Joel volunteer for the organization Pets & People, which connects therapy dogs and their owners with places like libraries, hospitals, and nursing homes. If you have a dog who you think might make a good therapy dog, learn more at petsandpeoplefoundation.org.

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