This article originally appeared in the Pulse Journal.

DOGGY TALES

R.E.A.D. with Bandit Program provides unique approach.

 People and children alike stop and stare when the local library's celebrity star walks through the doors.  Fairfield Lane Library gives children the opportunity to practice their reading skills with the help of  a furry, four-legged friend throughout the year.  For two years, Fairfield Lane Library has taken part in the national Reading Education Assistance Dogs program.  

"I wanted an alternative for children who had difficulties with reading," said Marcy Martin, head of the children's department at Fairfield Lane Library.   Children of all ages can enjoy a 20 minute session with 5-year-old Bandit.  "I have seen children be excited to read to Bandit," Martin said.  "When they stop reading, he pats the book. They read longer with Bandit than I suspect they  would read at home."

As a licensed therapy dog, Bandit is part of the Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati program.  From visiting the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald house to putting smiles on elderly residents' faces at nursing homes, Bandit keeps a busy schedule.

"He's the one really getting the benefit," said Sharon Anderson, Bandit's owner.  "He's always getting petted and loved on."  Anderson, of Oxford, is able to witness firsthand the impact reading to animals can have on children.  "Studies have shown that children who read to animals improve their reading skills because there's no pressure,"  she said.  "There's nobody going to tell them they're wrong or laugh at them."

 One Mason School District first grade teacher decided the R.E.A.D. with Bandit program would be a good opportunty for her 10-year-old son, Evan Shearer.  "The first thing he asked the librarian was whether or not Bandi was a nice dog," said Evan's mother, Rachel Shearer.  "Normally, he's afraid of dogs, but Bandit's been so good with him".  

Lane Library staff member, Noreen Vaughn, enjoys watching how well Bandit and the children interact  with one another.  "You may have kids that have difficulties reading with adults, but boy, do they click with Bandit," Vaughn said.  "He loves every story they pick out.  He just looks up in their eyes, and the kids relate so well to him."