An apple for the teacher? No thank you, but a bone would be nice, especially since the teacher in question is a rather rare breed, in more ways than one!
Cha Cha, a female Portuguese Water Dog, is the first tutor in a new San Francisco SPCA reading program called Puppy Dog Tales.
It takes a friendly, laid-back teacher to provide reassurance, comfort, and motivation to elementary school-age children, especially those whose first language is not English, as they learn to read. That’s why there’s nothing like a friendly canine tutor who can be patted and hugged, and who rewards every effort with a loving lick, to support a child as she learns her ABCs – and Ds!
Puppy Dog Tales was created by Jennifer Emmert, Program Manager of The SF/SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program, which employs animals to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients in hospitals and psychiatric, pediatric, and senior facilities since 1981. Puppy Dog Tales, while heading in a distinctive direction, is very much grounded in the therapeutic paradigm. It also meshes neatly with The SF/SPCA Humane Education programs, which teach humane values to children and foster positive interactions between them and companion animals. And it’s a service that the AAT program, with its large number of volunteers and friendly dogs, is uniquely qualified to provide.
Jennifer is bursting with enthusiasm about the new reading program. “I was shown an article about a similar program in Utah,” she recalls. “It was for grade-school children at beginning or remedial reading levels. I thought it was a terrific idea, and one that could really be applicable here in San Francisco, with its diverse population.”
Many children from other cultures (and their parents, too) are frightened of dogs. In their native countries, dogs frequently have diseases or are used as a food source, so placing these children in close proximity with a dog can mean overcoming an enormous cultural barrier. “A program like Puppy Dog Tales presents a good opportunity to break down stereotypes and educate minority or immigrant families about dogs in this country. And if it promotes literacy, that’s an added bonus,” Jennifer notes.
She took her idea to Toni Bernardi, the San Francisco Public Library’s Director of the Office of Children and Youth Services, who was instantly supportive of the plan; in fact, the Library had been interested in implementing a similar program for some time. Carla Kozak, who is responsible for children’s services at the Chinatown Branch of the Library, was equally enthusiastic. To get some idea about how the program might work, Carla asked several teachers with whom she works to suggest specific children who could benefit from a reading program like Puppy Dog Tales.
Carla set up an informational meeting with some of these children, and Jennifer “borrowed” Widget, a co-worker’s adorable two-year old mutt, for the occasion. The assembled youngsters were enchanted by little Widget, and many of their anxieties about dogs went out the window. Soon Jennifer and Carla were working together to prepare the pilot of Puppy Dog Tales.
Back at The SF/SPCA, Jennifer found enormous volunteer interest in the new program. Most AAT volunteers have their own dogs, many of whom had been thoroughly temperament-tested and were already visiting different facilities.
After some deliberation, Jennifer chose Kathleen Jose, a former second-grade teacher, and her dog Cha Cha to be the first human/dog team in the pilot program. Kathleen has been an AAT volunteer for 18 months, and five-year old, 45-pound Cha Cha was an exceptionally well-trained, friendly dog, and a seasoned veteran of traditional AAT outings. She is a certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen), having passed an extremely difficult test that requires an extended “down stay” – critical for a reading program. She’s also listed as a Certified Therapy Dog with Therapy Dogs International.
The Puppy Dog Tales Reading Program will be launched on June 1 at the Chinatown branch of the San Francisco Library. A space has been set aside with lots of cushions for the children and a dog bed for Cha Cha. Teachers in the neighborhood elementary schools have chosen six children (with their parents’ blessing); their reading levels have been assessed and appropriate books chosen. Kathleen will facilitate each 90-minute session, acting as the medium between Miss Cha Cha – who will ask questions and dispense praise – and the children. And all the kids will have their own one-on-one time with their shaggy canine instructor.
Puppy Dog Tales consists of six weekly sessions – an introduction, four substantive classes, and a wrap-up meeting at which the children will receive a certificate from Cha Cha. If the pilot goes well, Jennifer would like to offer the Puppy Dog Tales Reading Program to other San Francisco Public Library branches, as well as expanding it to a semester-long program. The Mission branch has already expressed interest in Puppy Dog Tales. Perhaps lots of small children around San Francisco will soon be singing:
Now I know my ABCs, When can the puppy dog play with me?
Christine Rosenblat is the staff writer for the SF/SPCA. Her two senior Pekingese mix rescue dogs, Mochi and Gemma, go to work with her and keep her inspired. To donate or volunteer with the SF/SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program, visit www.sfspca.org/aat or call 415-554-3060.
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