Library holds celebration for community-conscious canines

Photo by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/Metrolina Dog Reporter

Community-conscious canines and their handlers from reading therapy programs in Indian Trail, Matthews and Mint Hill attended a celebration in their honor at Union West Regional Library on the 13th of December. (From left) German shepherd, Reiner, handled by Dale Stegall of Mint Hill; dachshund, Dusty, handled by Sandy Pugyao of Waxhaw; mixed-breed, Piglet, handled by Amy Harris of Goose Creek; sheltie, Max, handled by Teresa Faucette of Mint Hill; Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Tucker, handled by Beth-Ellen Coates of Stallings and golden doodle, Maggie, handled by Pat Pohar of Marshville.

Librarians, children and parents surprised the pooches with a party in the community room to thank them and their owners/handlers for volunteering in the Paws Awhile To Read and Tail Wagging Tutors programs. The programs are designed to encourage beginning, struggling or shy readers. "I had to lie to get them here (for the party)," said program director and Therapy Dog International (TDI) evaluator, Teresa Faucette, who told the dog's owners/handlers to come to the library on Saturday for mandatory TDI training.

In the above photograph the dogs are demonstrating some of the behaviors required of a certified therapy dog such as remaining in a sit/stay or down/stay in the presence of distractions such as other pets, people and even a photographer after their handlers step away. What good dogs! - Deborah Parkhill Mullis