Lucy, the Library Reading Dog and Cleo the Rescue Dog

Liz wrote about the special talents of Lucy, her three-year-old Newfoundland therapy dog.  Lucy is quite a celebrity to those who hang out at the Rochester Hills Public Library (RHPL), where she is known as the 'Library Reading' Dog'  for the Children Reading to Dogs program. 

"This special program uses registered therapy animals and their handlers to help improve the literacy skills of children in a unique way", Liz says. "The children pick stories they want to read, usually involving an animal theme, and then they read them aloud to Lucy.  The premise of the program is that children will find reading to an animal to be less intimidating; it's a special time for them that can be helpful and fun, while becoming a positive environment in which learning is easily facilitated."

Each Wednesday, you can find Lucy hard at work at RHPL.  She loves visiting with the students and being the center of attention, while Liz, reads a favorite Newfoundland story.  Lucy has her very own corner of the library where she listens to the children read stories to her. Her favorite author seems to be Dr. Seuss. The students enjoy her enthusiasm (tail wags) and encouragement (big wet kisses) as they read. 

Lucy began her training as a puppy and eventually earned her therapy dog certification with Therapy Dogs International (TDI).  "In order to pass the TDI exam, Lucy and I were required to demonstrate a list of behavioral elements learned in class, including controlled walking, friendly greeting, sitting, staying, and so on," Liz explains.

With almost 100 visits so far, Lucy now holds a Therapy Dog Active title (TDIA).  In addition to spending time with young students, Lucy also visits local assisted living homes, where the seniors enjoy having a dog around the house -- even if only for a short visit.

Cleo Saves the Day

Betty wrote about Cleopatra Jezebel, called 'Cleo' by her family in Goldsboro, North Carolina.  This miniature Dappled Dachshund earned a special badge of courage last September when she came to Betty's rescue.

Before becoming a hero, Cleo sealed her gift of unconditional love with her family from the time she joined them.  As a puppy, she warmed her mom's heart the moment she was placed at her bedside, with soft gentle kisses and her big brown eyes.  Her tail wagged as she burrowed under the covers to make the grand entrance of a beauty queen.  Betty had said that she wasn't certain if she could get attached to another dog after losing a dog in the past, but Cleo melted her heart. Their unbreakable bond grew strong through daily playtime, treats for good behavior and graduation from dog-training school. 

About one year later, Betty says she was outside and tripped on the backyard sidewalk, breaking her hip.  "It was late at night - my neighbors were inside their homes and my husband was asleep, after watching another old western. I was in severe pain and could barely speak.  Although Betty cried for help again and again, no one seemed to hear her. 

Instinctively, Cleo ran to the next door neighbor's fence and started barking for Newby, her special Labrador friend.  "The neighbor eventually came outside, but couldn't hear or see anyone.," Betty says.  Cleo's bark and behavior became increasingly frantic as she ran back and forth from the fence to the patio where Betty lay.  Eventually the neighbor heard Betty's faint cry for help and an ambulance was soon on the way.

To this day, Betty insists she and Cleo have a special heart-to-heart bond.  "Cleo talks to me using funny sounds that create unique facial expressions," Betty says.  "She is my hero, my best friend and my 'little angel from God'."  What a happy ending for someone who didn't think she would ever be able to become attached to another dog again!

Watch for your dog on www.akcphp.com.  What better way to recognize and celebrate your dog's unique qualities!

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